The Barre Part II

TENDU

When there is time for a full class, the first tendu combination should be very slow and consider the half-point foot position when exiting and arriving in 5th position.  As the foot closes to 5th position from second, the toes should long to stay on the floor, fully stretched.  On the way out to the pointed tendu, the center of the foot should quickly arch into a fully extended point with the toes responding last, and pointing so long and fiercely that the brush is just a little bit under as the total arch of the foot is revealed in 2nd position.

There is a great need for the dancers to understand the accent of the tendu is either even or on the opening or closing.  Tendu with plié is a very different exercise from the straight closing.  While it is true that most of our center movement is connected with feet in 5th and demi plié, at the barre, a great deal is to be learned by isolating the foot and leg and keeping the relaxing plié out of the exercise.  The following barre exercises can and should incorporate plié during all or part of the exercise format. 

Also of importance during all the battement exercises is the exchange of weight during transfer from one foot to the other.  The body must learn to center itself over one supporting foot, then two, and then one again.  The idea that every closing is more uplifted and better pressed into position traveling into or out of 5th position should be at the forefront of the concentration during battement exercises.