This exercise is designed to strengthen the alignment and control of the lower limbs so that students can maintain proper weight placement over the front of their foot. It's a valuable exercise for enhancing stability, alignment, and control in ballet movements.

Preparation: Students should position their heel on the centre of the fit ball in effacé devant at the barre. For students with hyperextended legs, adjust the foot further over the ball. Ensure that the hips are square and that there is no weight leaning into the fit ball.

Steps:

1. Begin with a slow rise, lower, followed by a fondu (plié).

2. Progress to a quicker tempo and pivot (promenade) into seconde position.

3. Repeat in à la seconde, double checking students' hip alignment.

4. Pivot into arabesque and repeat, maintaining weight placement over the ball of the foot. They return into the devant position.

5. Have students perform one set in each position, finishing with a return to effacé devant and a balance check.

Focus: Emphasise square hips and correct weight distribution over the front of the foot. Ensure the student is not leaning onto the fit ball.