Welcome to Full Class 11, led by Melissa McCabe. This class focuses on building strength, control, and alignment—essential pillars for developing clean and coordinated ballet technique in young dancers. It begins with deep activation work targeting the iliopsoas, a key postural muscle that supports leg placement and spinal alignment. This sets the foundation for controlled, supported movement from the very first exercise.

The class then shifts focus to upper body coordination with Port de Bras Enhancement, using the resistance band to connect the arms to the back and torso. This helps create expressive, stable arm movements that are fully integrated with the trunk—essential for classical port de bras. As the session progresses, Turnout Pulses and Control & Alignment introduce more complexity, strengthening the inner thighs and reinforcing pelvic placement to support safe, powerful turnout from the hips.

Towards the end, Sky Rockets brings fun and energy, using the wall to help with posture and leg strength.. Finally, Release & Roll closes the class with gentle articulation through the spine, combined with hamstring and core release, leaving the body balanced and prepared for further training.

Tips:

In Iliopsoas Conditioning, monitor pelvic stability and parallel leg alignment—look out for knee pronation on the supporting side.

Encourage dancers to feel the spiral in Port de Bras Enhancement through the back rather than forcing the arm.

During Turnout Pulses, check that students aren’t collapsing in the upper body—light core activation is essential.

In Sky Rockets, focus on keeping the back long and the legs evenly aligned while pressing into the wall.

Remind dancers to approach Release & Roll slowly and rhythmically, using the breath to assist spinal movement.