Why Do We Do Tendus in Ballet?

Ballet

Tendu, a French term meaning “to stretch”, is one of the most important and fundamental exercises in ballet. It is used to teach the basics of proper alignment, placement, and turnout of the legs and feet.

Its importance lies in its ability to prepare dancers for other movements by providing a strong foundation for their technique.

A tendu begins in fifth position (first position with one foot extended to the side) and requires dancers to evenly slide their working foot from that position to demi-pointe (on half toe). This movement is done slowly with control and precision so that the dancer can focus on proper alignment of the legs and feet.

The working foot should always be pointed and flexed throughout the tendu, while the standing leg should remain straight with the knee turned outwards.

In addition to teaching correct alignment and turnout, tendus also help develop strength in a dancer’s feet and ankles by forcing them to use all of their muscles correctly. It also increases flexibility in those same areas by allowing dancers to gradually stretch out their feet as they slide into demi-pointe. Furthermore, it helps teach control over movement which is integral for more complex steps such as pirouettes.

Overall, tendus are an essential part of any ballet class because they help lay down a strong foundation for proper technique which allows for more advanced movements later on. They are important for teaching correct alignment, placement, turnout, strength, flexibility, and control over movement so that each dancer can become more confident in their dancing.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, tendus are an invaluable tool for any ballet dancer because they provide a strong foundation for proper technique while simultaneously helping build strength and flexibility in various parts of the body. By learning how to do this basic exercise correctly from an early age, dancers will be able to confidently approach more complex steps later on.