| Fantastic as a lower body workout (try doing it for | | | | Now it's time to perform the more elegant of the |
| an hour and you'll know what I mean), and helping | | | | ballet moves: the demi-plie. |
| you increase your skill as a ballet dancer, is the | | | | To do this from the position you are already in, you |
| Demi-Plie (pronounced Demi-PLEE-Ay). Mastery of | | | | just simply bend your knees to lower your body, |
| this, and other ballet moves, will have you well on | | | | making sure that your knees stay in line with your |
| your way to becoming the next Prima Ballerina of | | | | feet (think of it like you're elegantly squatting but |
| your dance school. | | | | with your knees and feet pointed out to your sides) |
| Demi-Plie, translated, means "little bend", and is one of | | | | Remember that it's not necessary to go all the way |
| the more elegant ballet moves. If you're interested in | | | | down, but you always want to make sure that your |
| boosting your ballet skills, then understanding and | | | | heels are together the whole time. |
| utilizing this move is a must. | | | | Now, as you lower your body, delicately raise your |
| Remember that ballet is a graceful and seamless | | | | free arm in an upwards motion, giving the illusion that |
| discipline, so try to be as fluid as possible when | | | | you're floating, and then extend your arm away from |
| performing this move. | | | | your body until it is at shoulder height. It is not |
| First, stand with your back to the ballet barre, and | | | | necessary to stiffen your arm, just keep it slightly |
| place one arm on the barre. | | | | bent and soft so that it looks as though it is floating |
| Now, with your heels together, you will need to turn | | | | in the air; you're not trying to "do the robot" here. |
| your feet out. The further you can turn your feet | | | | Lowering your raised arm, and standing back up, you |
| out the better, but if you're just starting out, making | | | | have just performed your first of many demi-plie's: |
| a V with your feet will suffice for now (you'll want to | | | | congratulations! |
| work on getting your feet to turn out to make a | | | | It may not be so effortless at first, but after a little |
| straight line eventually - it can take a little time to | | | | practice you'll find it much easier. And if you practice |
| reach this point, so don't worry if you're not there | | | | this move for a little more than a week, you'll find |
| yet). | | | | yourself performing the demi-plie to perfection every |
| So at this point, your back is to the barre, with one | | | | time, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a |
| arm on the barre, and your feet are turned out as | | | | master of all ballet moves in no time. |
| far as comfortably possible for you. | | | | |