This exercise helps with alignment in derrière which is crucial in ballet. It prepares students for their arabesque by gently activating the upper body and engaging the lower limbs. This exercise is vital for developing muscle control and awareness needed for ballet movements involving the back and legs.

Preparation: Ask students to sit on the edge of the mat with a small ball positioned between their lower calf muscles while keeping their legs parallel. Instruct them to roll onto their stomachs, placing their hands underneath their forehead, which should rest on the rolled up end of the mat.

Tips:

1. Guide the right leg to move over the left leg.

2. Prompt students to bring both legs towards the ball, ensuring that their hips are evenly placed on the mat.

3. The legs are lifted and they perform a slow scissor movement, like a twist before settling back onto the mat.

4. Encourage a gentle raise of the upper body, while their hands remain positioned under their forehead.

5. This sequence is repeated three more times, alternating between legs.

6. Conclude this exercise by having students sit back on top of the ball in child's pose to relax.

Focus: Place emphasis on maintaining even shoulder and rib alignment while executing controlled leg movements.