Fondu Basics

Franziska, at Holistic Ballet, has done a very nice video talking through the details of battement fondu ("melting" the legs).  This is part of the video series she is doing on Beginner Ballet Basic.  I like her explanation about how the legs move simultaneously, with resistance, to create a smooth, graceful movement.  She uses a TheraBand to demonstrate the proper resistance; another way I like to do it is to imagine my leg moving through water, and feeling the resistance of the water against my leg (like we do with our port de bras).   She also gives guidance on the position of the foot in coup de pied, the proper height for a fondu extension, and she talks about why fondu is important.

It's a good video for those just starting ballet.  Intermediate and advance dancers can benefit from some of her tips and reminders too; it's always useful to go back to basics.  Check it out, as well as the many other helpful videos found on her YouTube channel.