In ballet, the développé refers to the smooth, gradual unfolding of the leg, which can be extended to the front (devant), side (à la seconde), or back (derrière). It is one of the most graceful yet challenging movements in ballet, showcasing a dancer’s control, strength, and flexibility.
Executing a flawless développé requires much more than just flexibility — it demands coordination, balance, and muscle strength. In this blog post, join us as we break down the mechanics of a perfect développé and share exercises that will help you build the strength and technique to master this elegant movement.
Steps to perform a Développé a la seconde
Here are some key points to focus on while practicing:
Turnout Maintenance: Maintaining proper turn out through the passé position (step 2)
Leg Extension: Activating the hip flexors to lift the leg, with control coming from the core and leg muscles (step 3)
Body Alignment: Ensuring that your posture is upright and hips squared throughout the entire movement
The primary muscles in a développé are:
Hip flexors: These muscles allow the leg to be lifted to heights over 90 degrees.
Quadriceps: Responsible for straightening the knee as the leg reaches full extension.
Exercises to Improve your développé
À la seconde pulses
Aim: To strengthen the hip flexors, allowing for better execution of the développé à la seconde
Stand facing the barre in first position.
Lift your right leg to retiré (the working leg’s toe touches the standing leg's knee).
Engage your hip flexor to lift your right knee into an attitude position à la seconde (halfway to full extension).
Lower your leg back to retiré and repeat 9 more times.
Switch to your left leg and complete 10 repetitions.
Tip: Focus on maintaining turnout and control. Avoid extending fully in this exercise; work on the lift.
Lying down developpes
Aim: Practice leg extensions from retiré without the influence of gravity on your upper body.
Lie on your back with hips squared and aligned.
Draw your right leg up to retiré.
Extend your leg slowly to attitude, then into a développé position à la seconde.
Lower the leg back to retiré and repeat 9 more times.
Switch to your left leg and repeat 10 times.
Tip: You can also practice développé devant by extending your leg forward.
Developpes at the barre
Aim: Strengthen core and leg muscles for développé execution.
Stand facing the barre in first position.
Place your right leg on the barre in a turned-out développé à la seconde.
Engage your core and hip flexors to lift your leg off the barre.
Lower it slowly to the ground with control.
Repeat 9 more times on the right leg, then switch to the left.
Tip: Practice variations like développé devant (facing slightly towards the barre) and développé derrière (facing slightly away from the barre).
Building strength in your hip flexors is essential, but your core and obliques are just as important for maintaining proper alignment. Consistency is key, and with time, there will be noticeable improvements in the height, control, and fluidity of your développés.
For more exercises to enhance your core stability, check out our related post on Understanding the Importance of Core Stability.
Perfecting développés takes patience and dedication, but with consistent strengthening and conditioning, you can make significant progress. As you practise, focus on building strength in your hip flexors, core, and quadriceps to improve height and control. Incorporate these exercises into your practice routine, and you’ll soon see smoother, more effortless développés. Happy dancing! 🩰🌟
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