This exercise is designed to enhance awareness and strength in the supporting leg, to improve stability and grace in pointe work. By incorporating resistance bands, students can better understand the muscular engagement necessary for controlled développés.

Preparation:

Attach the resistance band around the student's supporting leg, from the knee to the thigh, and secure the excess band over the barre.

Steps:

1. Instruct students to begin with a breath, drawing the feet sur la pointe, and perform a port de bras from first to second position to establish balance and poise.

2. Have students execute a développé devant, incorporating a port de bras into 4th position, focusing on maintaining stability and alignment.

3. Continue with a développé à la seconde, transitioning the port de bras into 2nd position, ensuring even weight distribution.

4. Have students perform a développé derrière, guiding the port de bras into an arabesque line, emphasising the engagement of the supporting leg.

5. Instruct students to maintain equal weight placement between both feet during a forward bend, recovering with a full port de bras for flexibility and control.

6. Repeat the sequence in reverse, substituting the forward port de bras with a sideways port de bras for lateral flexibility.

7. Conclude by encouraging students to roll slowly through the metatarsals, reinforcing control and precision.

Focus:

Stress the importance of correct weight distribution and alignment throughout each développé.