This exercise is designed to enhance the grace and fluidity of arabesque movements in ballet. The exercise uses the imagery of stroking a cat to promote a harmonious arch from the head to the pelvis, focusing on extending the leg in arabesque without straining the lower spine.

Preparation: Position the fusion ball underneath the pelvis. Roll up the back of the mat for foot support in fifth position. Students should have their elbows bent and arms relaxed on each side of the mat, spine elongated.

Steps:

1. Guide students to lift the working leg while simultaneously extending the crown of the head forward and lifting the upper body.

2. Instruct students to slowly return the leg and body to the starting position.

3. Direct students to repeat three times, using the imagery of stroking a cat from head to tail.

4. Instruct students to transition to parallel feet on demi pointe, bend the knees and roll the fusion ball to release into a kneeling position while staying connected to the ball.

5. Have students roll back to the starting position and switch legs in fifth position.

6. Invite students to repeat on the alternate side.

7. Students conclude by recovering to an upright position.

Focus: Emphasise the importance of maintaining an elongated spine and controlled leg movement.