Available to Stream Instantly Online.Description
MUSIC: New Ballet Music 9, Track 2, 3/4 — Get on iTunes
LENGTH: 11 minutes, 49 seconds
PURPOSE OF THIS EXERCISE: Teaches you how to demi-plié relevé for optimal strength and balance
DEFINITIONS: Plié (plee-AY). Bent or bending. A bending of the knee of knees; Relevé (ruhl-VAY). Raised. A raising of the body on the toes or half-toes.
DESCRIPTION:
- Part One: Instructions from Finis Jhung
- Part Two: Technical breakdown of the exercise with Finis and demonstrator Vernard Gilmore
- Part Three: Demonstration with music by Vernard with Finis standing by and coaching
Contrary to the way pliés are done, we’re going to show you how to initiate your demi-plié with your toes instead of your knees. This engages the muscles of the feet so that you can rise almost effortlessly on half-toe. Once you have learned to work use and work your feet as taught in this simple exercise, you will have the strength to balance, turn, and jump with ease.
AUDIENCE: The adult ballet beginner
TRAINING REQUIRED: None
EQUIPMENT: A barre or two high-backed sturdy chairs, a full-length mirror
“I’ve been doing your DVDs with my mother in her 60s. It’s helping her out a lot with learning to keep her balance and have good posture. Even the slightest movements have helped strengthen her muscles. We love you.”
— Trula Hudelson
“I must say I am a big fan of the streaming singles. Having them with me on my phone, makes it easy to dance when I have a few spare minutes. Since they are short in length, I am able to really focus on the few key points that are presented. After working through the three Foot Strength videos, I was surprised to find I was turning better at my next class. The Temps lie & Cambré Dance at Home video is so calm and nice and reminds me of those basic principles of proper form that can help my dancing look nicer as well. Thanks!”
—Leslie Miller, Adult Student
“As an adult learner with no previous ballet experience, I was looking to gain more control and strength in my feet to improve my dancing and avoid injuries. I ordered the foot strength videos and immediately liked the format of a short video divided into separate sections. Through Finis’ explanations and the technical breakdowns, I was able to visualize and better understand what I was aiming to do. I have only just started to do the exercises, but already I am more aware of working through my feet and using the floor, both of which will help me to progress and improve.”
—Hazel Alexander
“The video is very helpful, thank you! I appreciate the way you break down the format and articulate the techniques thoroughly along with visual presentation.”
—Wendy Williams McDonnell, Bayside, NY