This exercise is designed to enhance students' understanding of good alignment in grand battements. The fit ball is used to show students if their hips are moving, preventing them from compensating for weak technique. This improves their pelvic positioning, which is critical for trunk and leg movements in dance.
Preparation: Have students lie on their backs on a mat, crossing their legs just above the ankles. Position heels on the fit ball. Students with hyperextended legs can place their legs further forward on the ball.
Steps:
1. Guide students through a breathing sequence: exhale before bridging, inhale during the bridge, and exhale to settle the ribcage.
2. Instruct them to execute 6 grand battements in time with the music, ensuring hips remain stable and both legs are rotated equally. Hands can be placed under the sacrum for additional stability.
3. After completing, have them un-bridge, change legs, and repeat.
Focus: Ensure students maintain an elongated spine and prevent hip twisting for balanced rotation.
Preguntas frecuentes
How do I ensure my students don't twist their hips during the exercise?
What if a student has difficulty maintaining balance on the fit ball?