Stretch the hip flexors in preparation for the side pitch. Stand in first position, reach forward with your right hand and take hold of the right heel. Extend the leg fully to second position, return your back to an upright position and hold the stretch. Gently pull the heel upward, keeping your head in line with your torso and your torso stationary. Continue to lift and stretch then repeat with the left leg.
Stand in first or fifth position in preparation for the side pitch. Hold your arms in a low, neutral position. Ensure that your back is long and focus your gaze forward.
Engage your abdominal muscles, shift your weight slightly over your standing leg and draw your right foot up to your left knee. Point the toes of your right foot and keep your hips and shoulders square to the front of the room.
Lift the right knee slightly and straighten your right leg up and out to your side at the full height of your side extension. Avoid any shifting of your torso. Gain greater mobility by using your turn-out, rotating your legs outward as much as possible in the hip sockets.
Pitch or tilt your torso to the left once you have completed your right leg extension. Keep your head in line with your spine and open your arms into second position. The line you create with your arms should remain perpendicular to your torso.
Increase your sideways pitch as you slowly and gradually raise your right leg. Your torso should descend to the left in equal proportion to the rise of your leg. Extend fully through the standing and lifted legs and point your toes to achieve the longest possible line.
Return the lifted leg to your starting first or fifth position. Initiate the movement from the torso, lifting the back to an upright position as you gently and slowly lower the lifted leg. Avoid a sudden, jarring drop of the leg. Repeat with a left leg extension and side pitch to the right.