The Ballet Bible

Ballet Lesson 6 of 7: Battement Tendus

This photograph illustrates the incorrect execution of a Battements Tendus. A Battement Tendus is both the commencing position and the concluding position of a grand battement and is often used as an exercise to force the insteps outward. The foot which is working (that which is not stationary on the floor) moves from in this case the first position, to the second or fourth position, with the toe remaining on the ground at all times. Throughout the movement it is important that both knees be kept straight. After the foot has reached the position pointe tendue, as it featured in the photograph, it then returns to the first position. Cinquième may also be done with a demi-plié in the first or fifth position. They should be practiced en croix. An alternative movement for the Cinquième is for the feet to start from fifth position.

There is one main problem with the way that the dancer in the photograph is performing the battement tendus, that being her body is not properly aligned and is instead tipped too far toward the non working foot. The secondary problem with this demonstration is the dancer’s turnout, referring to the rotation of her feet.

Leaning to the side, or the transverse, is a common issue for beginner dancers. There are several reasons for why it may be happening including underdeveloped strength or balance, and the broad answer to this like other issues is practice, practice, practice. To address the issue it is important to distribute the weight evenly over the body, an uneven distribution of weight, with more leaning on the non working leg will cause the entire body to lean.

Likewise a conscious effort to not do this can mean an unequal distribution of weight with more on the working leg and leaning toward this side. A good indication of if the weight is distributed evenly is the dancers grip on the barre, if the barre is being held too tight this is a fair sign that the weight is being tilted toward one side, the barre is merely a tool for assistance not a life line, place the hand on it as a guide, but don’t depend upon it. A dancer needs to have faith in his or her own body, and trust that it is strong enough to hold itself confidently in any position.

Turn out is a major component of ballet, and was developed to improve the aesthetics of the dance. In saying that, the perfect 180 degree turnout is something that takes time, patience, dedication and practice to develop. Forcing an ideal turnout before the body is fully ready increases the risk of injury in the back, knees and hips.

An exercise often used by dancers in order to improve their turnout is the ronds de jamb which is rather similar to the Battement Tendus in that the working leg, or the leg off the ground is moved around the body to draw and invisible semi circle on the ground.

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September 29, 2006 | In Tips |