Fusion Warm Up 5, led by Coni Belgareto, is a dynamic warm-up focusing on coordination and core engagement in allegro and port de bras. It’s a great class to do prior to a busy day of dancing or simply as a complement to pre-existing barre warm ups.

The featured exercise, Frogs Legs, helps dancers build an awareness of the muscle activation needed to maintain correct alignment in allegro. The fusion ball provides live feedback — if the dancer is not using their deep rotators or adductors, the ball will not stay in place. For dancers who struggle to feel their muscles, this exercise is a brilliant visual confirmation of whether they are engaging their inner thighs or not.

In Floating Flowers, dancers will begin working on their coordination, concentrating on keeping their movements soft and following their fingers with their gaze.

Tips

Encourage dancers to keep the diamond shape between their legs as they plié — the space should not get smaller.

Watch for sickles! Dancers may try to hold the ball in place by sickling their feet — this is an indication that their deep rotators and adductors are not fully engaged.