This exercise is designed to fortify the iliopsoas, a cornerstone muscle for executing every leg movement in ballet. Incorporating this exercise into a student’s warm-up routine will prevent injury and enable supported and controlled leg movements. 

Preparation: 

Have students face the barre, resting their right foot on the fusion ball slightly in front of the hip. Ensure students keep their feet parallel.

Steps:

1. Instruct the students to place their hands onto the barre.

2. Keeping the legs parallel, have students bend their left knee while sliding the right leg back (derrière), emphasising the elongation of the back leg and maintaining alignment.

3. Have students slowly return the leg to the starting position, ensuring the thighs are aligned again.

4. Perform a rise (elevé) in parallel.

5. Have students repeat this movement three times and on the last rise, have students roll their foot over the fusion ball to switch legs and reset on the opposite side.

6. Repeat in full on the opposite side.

Focus:

1. Ensure students keep their legs parallel throughout the exercise.

2. Ensure the student does not pronate the supporting knee when extending their leg back.