This is Focus Class 5, directed by Jenna Roberts. Today we will be focusing on improving balance and weight placement through targeted exercises. We will be using the Fusion Ball and ProBall to enhance dancer’s proprioception, helping them feel the correct alignment needed for fluid and controlled centre work.

The class begins with Warm Up and Balance: an exercise that aims to improve spinal mobility while warming up major muscle groups including: the glutes, hamstrings and abdominals. Here, we will be using the Fusion Ball to activate the deep rotators and adductors, articulating through the spine as the dancer rolls down to the mat.

We will also work on spinal mobility and deep glute activation in Roll Ups. In this exercise, dancers will use the Fusion Ball to practice transference of weight, feeling their supporting leg strong and aligned on the ball as they extend their working leg.

Another key exercise in this class is Epaulement with Balance. It aims to prevent dancers from twisting their hips, knees and ankles – a tendency that can often lead to misalignment and injury. During the exercise, dancers will work on isolating the rotation in the shoulders for that beautiful expressive line as they keep their hips square and aligned. 

Tips

Check for tilting in the hips – especially when transferring the weight.

Remind dancers to keep their toes spread and long on the ball.

Encourage dancers to twist towards their opposite hip rather than knee to keep the sternum open.