This exercise is designed to prepare dancers for the demands of complex techniques by enhancing their range of motion, elevation, and speed, particularly as they progress from barre to center and into allegro. This exercise focuses on safely executing dynamic stretches through full ranges of motion, crucial for actions requiring explosiveness like high extensions and jumps. The movements differentiate between dynamic stretching, emphasising the latter's application towards the end of a class for prepared muscles.

Preparation: Ensure dancers correctly wrap the band around their foot, crossing below and above the back of the knee, to provide adequate support and resistance.

Execution:

1.Students lie on their backs in 5th position, legs externally rotated, with bands securely wrapped.

2. Instruct students to execute a quick grand battement with a strong accent, focusing on controlled lowering with resistance. After two repetitions, the third involves three accented extensions to their full range without compromising hip alignment.

3.Repeat from the beginning.

4. Guide students to switch the bands to the opposite hand of the working leg, placing the same hand as the working leg on the opposite hip.

5. Have students repeat the grand battement series in à la seconde, ensuring stable hip alignment throughout.

6.Repeat the à la seconde. Change the band to repeat on the alternate side.

Focus: Emphasise avoiding overextension beyond their personal range limits to prevent injury.