Working in first position, we’re going to talk about Rising to the Half-Toe.

To work with me on this, get in front of the mirror so you can see what you’re doing.

First of all, are you someone who tends to stand back on your heel with the weight of your body traveling down the back of the leg?  When you rise to the half-toe from a standing position like this, your foot will most likely sickle. You’ll be standing on the outside of the foot, with your weight connecting to the little toe.

Or, are you more correctly placed, standing in Number 1 (your correct posture as explained in my Level 1 Barrework video) with hips forward, so that when you press down against the floor, you are well aware of the inside of the leg, the inner ankle bone, the inside of the foot, and you’re thinking your weight has to reach the big toe and second toe?

In order to keep your body placed like this as you slowly lower your heels, you must use your core muscles and be well aware of how your pelvis is placed.

When you are not aware of standing in Number 1, you will likely be standing with your weight in the back of the foot  instead of reaching to the toe.

So, again, with whatever you’re doing, it’s never a good idea to be back on your heel with your foot already sickled, with your weight passing down the back of the leg, the outside of the foot with the weight going mainly to the little toe. You will be on half-toe with a sickled foot.

Rather, what you want to do is get in Number 1. Place your body correctly. Be aware of the inside of your leg so you are turned-out properly. When I stand in Number 1, I am aware of my inner ankle bone and am instantly connected to my big toe and second toe as I push down and rise to the half-toe.

I want to bring my heels forward and show the insides of my legs to the audience. As I stand balanced on half-toe, I am pressing my toes and metatarsals firmly on the floor. I continue to drive my weight all the way down into (and through) the floor so I feel my body weight is solidly planted into the floor.

Keeping these ideas as you work should help you a lot!

In our next blog we will discuss The Plié-Relevé.

To dance is to live – Finis

We also recommend:

• The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Level 1 Barrework: Barrework for Beginners
• The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Level 2 Barrework: Barrework for Advanced Beginners
• The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Level 3: Barrework
• The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Level 4: Intermediate Barrework
• The Finis Jhung Ballet Technique Levels 2 & Up: The Power Barre
• The Thinking Dancer: Working at the Barre Levels 2 & Up – Basic Ballet 8