This exercise plays a crucial role in the development of young ballet dancers as it helps them establish early movement patterns. These patterns serve as the foundation for mastering proper technique, alignment, strength, coordination and musicality. The exercise focuses on externally rotating the legs while maintaining a balanced posture. It is an essential practice for building fundamental skills necessary in ballet.

Preparation: Before starting the exercise, make sure that students are lying face down on a mat with a partially inflated fusion ball positioned under their stomachs. Their arms should be folded with their heads resting on their hands, while their legs are externally rotated and crossed at the back.

Steps:

1. They lift their stomachs away from the fusion ball without allowing their ribs to flare.

2. They raise the legs slightly so they align with their hips, switch leg positions and lower them back down onto the mat using controlled movements.

3. Repeat this sequence six times.

4. Finish off with a period of rest in child's pose, resting their head on the soft fusion ball.

Focus: During this exercise, it is crucial for students to pay attention to maintaining proper postural alignment, especially focusing on keeping their stomachs and ribs in correct positions.