In this exercise, we aim to help young ballet students improve their understanding and execution of pas de bourée dessous. The main focus is on achieving precise footwork.

Preparation: Students to have a 3m (10ft) long resistance band and wrap it twice in an outward direction around the top of each thigh.

Steps:

1. Position the students facing the ballet barre with their right foot placed forward in 3rd position.

2. On the end of the musical introduction, instruct them to lift their back foot and bring it into cou de pied derrière (coupé position) en fondu (plié).

3. Guide them through performing a pas de bourée dessous.

4. Repeat by bringing their foot into cou de pied derrière again.

5. Encourage repetitions to assist the muscle memory.

Focus: Throughout this exercise, pay close attention that the students are maintaining correct foot alignment and ensuring smooth transitions between each step.