This exercise prepares students for the développé devant. It establishing the proper alignment and control that will have students executing développé devant with precision and grace.

Preparation: Instruct students to start with their legs crossed on top a fit ball, . Students without hyperextension should place their heels on the centre of the fit ball cross the legs at the calf muscles. Students with hyperextended legs should place their legs further forward on the fit ball, so it supports the back of their legs. Position the palms of their hands upwards beside their body. It is a good idea for them to first practice squeezing something soft between their calf muscles as they bridge for them to achieve the feeling.

Steps:

1. Guide students to exhale, ensuring the rib cage is relaxed and their gaze is focused on the ceiling. The shoulder girdle should be relaxed and open on the mat.

2. Instruct them to bridge slowly, directing both hips towards the ceiling while inhaling, and exhale at the top of the bridge, ensuring spinal articulation.

3. Then, un-bridge slowly, unfolding through the vertebrae to return to the mat. Repeat this sequence three times.

4. Following this, instruct them to change legs, ensuring they stay centred on the fit ball, and repeat.

Focus: Emphasise relaxed rib cage, focused eyes, and open shoulder girdle. Ensure the hips are evenly lifted and the spine is articulated during the bridge.