This exercise is designed to reinforce alignment and weight placement and external rotation when students work en croix (in the shape of a cross). This exercise is crucial for transferring these aspects into studio work, focusing on alignment, turnout, and understanding of weight placement. It helps in maintaining proper foot alignment and hip squareness while moving the leg through devant, à la seconde, and derrière positions.

Preparation: Have students face the barre with their right foot in demi-pointe on a ¾ inflated fusion ball placed close to the supporting leg.

Steps:

1. Guide students to move the leg into devant, feeling the texture of the fusion ball and encouraging foot alignment with the curve of the ball. Ensure weight placement remains over the front of the supporting foot.

2. Instruct students to return the working leg and repeat the movement into à la seconde.

3. Guide students to move the fusion ball around the leg, close to the heel, and repeat in derrière, keeping hips square to the front.

4. Have students rise and transfer weight over the fusion ball to repeat with the alternate leg.

5. Once students are secure in this section, introduce the use of port de bras.

Focus: Emphasise to students maintaining square hips and correct weight distribution over the supporting foot. Ensure students make smooth transitions between positions.