Chicago Dance Gazette-Dance Terminology

 

Plié:  To Bend. – Gretchen Ward Warren:  Classical Ballet Technique

"Plie is the first thing you learn and the last thing you master"- Suzanne Farrell

As a teacher of adult beginning level ballet, I realize that learning and applying the basics paves the way to mastering correct technique. But as a dancer and Physical Therapist, I also know that consciously reviewing and applying the basics  helps to prevent undue stress on the body. Demi plié is an essential basic step that is done repetitively in dance. Common technical mistakes are outlined below.

Demi plié in ballet can be broken down into three parts: 1. beginning, 2. movement and 3. end. In the beginning, regardless of the actual position, several things must occur:

1. The foot must be flat on the floor including the heel. The instep is lifted to avoid "rolling over". Additionally, the turn out must be managed from the hips and not forced from the position of the feet. Turn-out managed from the bottom-up will cause the dancer to turn-out beyond their physical capacity. This places stress and strain on the first metatarsals, ankles, knees and back.
2. The dancer must "pull-up" to achieve optimal posture prior to the movement. Correct posture will assist the dancer to maintain turn-out, to balance, and to achieve a perceived ease of movement. From a static position, the dancer must feel balanced on top of the legs. Photos above, left: Amy demonstrates lack of pull-up with a sway back. Right: Correct alignment achieved by tightening abdominals and tilting the pelvis into a neutral position.

During the movement or execution of demi plié, the dancer strives for proper alignment. As the knees bend and straighten:

1. The shoulders should remain in line with the hips.
2. Turn-out should be initiated from the hips.
3. The pelvis should remain in neutral without "tucking under" or arching the back as in a swayback position.
4. The knees should align with the toes.
5. The heels and the lateral, or most outer aspect of the foot,  should remain in contact with the floor at all times.

Photos, left: Turn out is incorrectly initiated at the feet instead of the hips, feet are pronated ("rolling over"). Right: Amy's ideal alignment.

The end of a demi plié includes the completion of the movement when the knees straighten. When not used as a warm up exercise, demi pliés are often used as a transition into another step (e.g.. relevé). The dancer remains "pulled up" and balanced on top of his or her legs.

By applying correct technique during demi plié, you will not only advance your skills but you will also help to avoid undue repetitive stresses and strains to your muscles and joints.

Photos below: more examples of incorrect technique include 1. Uneven weight distribution through the legs in fourth position, 2. Lifting heels up during demi plié in fifth position, 3. Lifting heel up in demi plié arabesque.

What position or step would you like us to review for you? Submit your request to Leni.