Executing a Good Tendu

Tendu: (t-ah-n-due) stretched out or held tautly

So previously we talked about how to use your plié and the mindfulness that goes with it.  Let’s move on to the next basic ballet step and talk about the Tendu.

I recently started doing some YouTube ballet classes that the professionals are teaching (thank you professionals!).  I’ve turned my front room into a mini dance studio, haha!  I have a full length mirror, barre, and hardwood. But not a ton of space. I remember when I was in college ballet classes and by the end of the 45min barre I thought my legs would fall off if I was asked to do one more grande battement, LOL!  So I had zero doubts that it would be a good work out even in a small space, and I was not disappointed.  

Anyway, one class I took had like 4 tendu combinations! And I loved it! And I found out that I’ve lost some foot & ankle dexterity since being out of the studio. Those fast tendus and frappes! 😳

So tendu means stretched.  Your working leg is extended until only the tip of your big toe remains on the floor. Tendu combinations are so good to train your feet to brush the floor.  In slow tendus you can focus on working through the foot, being mindful of going through the demi pointe before the full pointe as well as really focus on your turn out & rotating your leg from the hip.  Don't underestimate the importance of executing a good tendu.

That's all for Technique Tuesday, Happy Dancing! 

~Karie