This exercise is integral for developing the upper body strength necessary as a professional ballet dancer. Ensure that students have mastered the simpler pike exercises before attempting this advanced version.

Preparation: Confirm students' proficiency in basic pike exercises. Use a mat rolled under the wrists for comfort.

Steps:

1. Have students begin with one leg on the fit ball (shin level) in parallel, wrists in line with shoulders, elbows slightly bent.

2. Cue students to engage their deep abdominal muscles to bring the second leg onto the ball.

3. Curl the body, bending the knees and drawing the ball in, relaxing the neck.

4. Instruct students to unfold through a rotated attitude into a sustained arabesque penchée, keeping the neck relaxed and gaze towards the ball.

5. Control the return through attitude to parallel, then extend into a plank.

6. Have students repeat this exercise with the alternate leg.

Focus:

Emphasise control, abdominal engagement, and alignment. Ensure a relaxed neck and correct positioning of the arms and legs.