This exercise is designed to deepen students' understanding of pelvic alignment and core engagement when lifting the leg in derrière. This exercise underscores the importance of maintaining a stable pelvis and active abdominal muscles to support the lower spine, especially as the leg reaches higher angles. Utilising the fit ball provides tactile feedback, helping students to feel the correct alignment and engagement required for a controlled and balanced extension.

Preparation:

Position the student in fifth position on a rolled-up mat, placing the fit ball in front of them. This setup encourages the correct posture from the onset.

Steps:

1. Instruct the student to demi plié and roll forward onto the fit ball, keeping their feet stretched on the mat and their hands under their shoulders.

2. Guide them to lengthen and lift one leg into arabesque, then bend into attitude derrière.

3. Have them shift the opposite hand of the raised leg in front of the body, maintaining focus forward and engaging the torso for balance. The supporting leg's turnout towards the fit ball helps to maintain stability. They raise the same arm as the leg as they twist their torso.

4. The student will extent back into arabesque as they place both hands on the floor. They transfer their weight forward and switch legs with a high beating action and return to the initial fifth position.

5. The repeat in full on the opposite side.

Focus:

Highlight the importance of wrapping the supporting leg en dehors towards the fit ball to achieve balance, and the continuous engagement of the abdominals to protect the lower spine.