Ballet/Developpes

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Expert: - 4/1/2010


Question
I have relatively good flexibility and my grande battements aren't too bad, but my developpes are pretty awful. I think that the problem is that I am using my quads rather than the underneath of my thigh. I am trying (as instructed by my teacher) to use the muscle at the back of the thigh but it feels really weak and hard to use.

Do you know of any exercises that can strengthen this muscle to improve my developpes?

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Tiula. Below is a link to a post from my blog, which refers to a very detailed article (with a clickable link) about the muscles involved in lifting the leg.

http://balletshoesandpointeshoes.blogspot.com/2009/10/still-trying-to-lift-your-...

Unfortunately your teacher has been taught, like most ballet teachers to teach lifting the leg from underneath, but it does not, anatomically, happen like that. But, no need to argue with her, just learn from this article and start working on your own developpes. I'm sure you will start seeing a difference if you understand it and work on it properly.

Both my blog "Ballet Shoes and Pointe Shoes" and the Dance Advantage site are  excellent for articles about many aspects of dance. Enjoy!

All the best, Dianne.  

Ballet

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Dianne M. Buxton

Expertise

I can answer questions about ballet positions, ballet movements and ballet technique, pointe shoes and pre pointe exercise, mens training, ballet diet, general health issues related to dance, artistry, performance, modern dance, rehabilitation from injuries, and teaching ballet. I have taught ballet, choreographed, produced and directed dance companies. For any answers related to health questions I will offer my experience, and give references to information, but I also automatically include "see a professional".

Experience

dancer, ballet and modern, choreographer, dance teacher, artistic director, ballet mistress, producer

Organizations
I.S.T.D. Actra, Actors Equity

Publications
http://ezinearticles.com http://ballettoeshoes.blogspot.com http://streetarticles.com http://balletconnections.com

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada where I studied Cecchetti, Bournonville, Vaganova and Graham technique. Taught at the National Ballet School of Canada, York University, George Brown College and Harvard University.

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