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How to Do a Battement Tendu

New ballet students quickly become accustomed to the battement tendu (baht-mahn tan-doo). Often referred to by the abbreviated term "tendu," the battement tendu is a fundamental step that develops foot and ankle strength and flexibility while promoting turnout at the hips. Regardless of a dancer's level of expertise, she can expect to begin every technique class with a series of tendus which may be executed to the front, side and back. Practicing tendus at the ballet barre helps her warm up the muscles of her feet and legs, prepares her for more advanced footwork and helps power her jumps.

Things You'll Need

  • Ballet barre
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grasp the ballet barre in one hand and stand in turned-out first or fifth position with your free arm open in a wide second position. Center your weight between both feet, align the top of your head with your spine and focus forward. Engage your abdominal muscles by consciously lifting them upward and backward toward your spine.

    • 2

      Brush your working foot forward along the floor as you transfer your weight to your standing leg. Lead with the working heel and turn out the working leg from the hip socket throughout the brush. Articulate through the foot until the foot is fully pointed with the big toe remaining on the floor.

    • 3

      Draw the working foot back to your initial first or fifth position. Lead with the toes of the working foot to maintain your turnout. Find your new center of balance over both feet.

    • 4

      Repeat the battement tendu to the side, back and side again, returning the working foot to first or fifth position as you close. Work slowly and deliberately for maximum benefit. Turn to the second side, grasp the barre and repeat the tendus with your new working foot.

Ballet

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