A plié is a simple ballet step, and is one of the first to be taught. There are two forms of plié: the demi-plié and the grand-plié. You can do each type of plie starting from all five positions. If you know the correct shapes and movements, you can learn how to do a plie in minutes. However, it can take years to master the technique.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Perform a Demi-Plié
Step 1. Learn the different ballet positions
There are five different foot positions in ballet, and it is possible to perform a demi-plie (a half bend) from each of them. This means that in order to perform a demi-plie correctly starting from each position, you must first feel comfortable with all of them.
- Each position uses the en dehors, the rotation of the leg at the level of the hip joint. The goal is to have the heels and toes as perpendicular to the axis of the body as possible.
- Don't expect to perform perfect en dehors right from the start. Forcing the en dehors can cause a lot of damage. Even some professional dancers don't have perfect en dehors after years of practice.
- In addition to a specific placement of the feet, each position also uses a different arrangement of the arms or port de bras (posture of the arms).
- For more information on the different ballet positions, read this wikiHow article.
Step 2. Start in first position
While it is possible to demi-plie in any of the five positions, use the first to begin with. The first position wants the heels in contact (or close to) with the legs that are rotated outwards almost 180 °.
- You will also need to keep your legs and back straight.
- The en dehors should start mainly from the hip joint. Do not excessively stress the knees or ankles in forcing the feet to open too much to reach a 90 ° angle. Use your muscles to keep your knees above your feet, and try not to get them out of alignment. At first, the en dehors in first position will look more like a V than a straight line. You will reach a larger en dehors simply with practice.
Step 3. Bend at the knees
The demi-plie or half bend is about bending the knees, so you will need to lower yourself by flexing your knees. The upper body should maintain the same position (shoulders down, head held high, buttocks tight) throughout the movement.
One of the most common mistakes of a beginner when performing a plie is to stretch the buttocks backwards during the descent, as if curled up. Don't stick your buttocks out and don't adjust your hips to this position, just bend your knees while keeping the rest of your body straight
Step 4. Keep your heels planted on the ground
The demi-plie, regardless of the starting position, wants the heels to be firmly planted on the ground. Don't bend over to the point where your heels come off the floor.
Rather than doing a full bend, typical of grand-plie, you will only need to bend your knees to the point where they line up with your toes
Step 5. Ascend slowly and gracefully
Although ballet dancers get up quickly from the plie using it as a base for jumps and pirouettes, beginners should practice ascending slowly and in a smooth motion to perfect their figure. Rather than just straightening your knees, you will need to push the weight onto the floor with your legs and feet, then use this force to get back up.
- By harnessing the strength of your legs and feet, you will be able to perform a much smoother movement, while also avoiding putting too much tension on your knees.
- Continue to keep your shoulders down, your head up, and your buttocks tight as you go up. The upper body must rise upwards rather than straighten, because it should already be straight.
Step 6. Return to first position
To finish the demi-plie, you will need to go up until your thighs and knees are close again. You will return to 1st position, the same position you were in before performing the demi-plie.
Step 7. Practice demi-plie from other positions
Once you have mastered the basic techniques of a demi-plie in first position, you can also experiment with the plie starting from the other four positions of classical dance. These are more difficult, especially the fifth position, so you have to be patient and practice without rushing.
Method 2 of 2: Perform a Grand-Plié
Step 1. Understand the difference between a demi-plie and a grand-plie
Both demi-plie and grand-plie have to do with flexing the knees and can both be performed from all five ballet positions. The biggest difference between the two movements lies in the depth of the flexion and the way it affects the position of the heels.
Step 2. Take the first position
Again, we will take the first position as an example, because it is the first to be taught to beginners.
Step 3. Bend at the knees
As with the demi-plie, a grand-plie requires a flexion at the height of the knees. However, in grand-plie you will not stop at the point where the knees are aligned with the toes.
Step 4. Lift your heels off the ground
Since the flexion of the knees is greater in the grand-plie, the heels will automatically come off the ground. Although the weight moves completely on the forefoot, the upper body should remain perfectly straight, so the center of gravity should be the same as in the standing position with the legs extended.
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The exception to the rule occurs in the execution of the grand-plie starting from the second position. The greater amplitude of the second position allows the dancer to descend completely while maintaining contact between the floor and the heels.
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Step 5. Continue bending the knees until the thighs are almost parallel to the floor
Once your heels are off the ground, it should be easier to descend further into the grand-plie. Keep going down as far as possible until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor and your knees are almost completely bent.
As with demi-plie, the upper body should remain straight throughout the movement with shoulders down, back level, head up, tailbone low, and abs tight
Step 6. Return to first position
As with demi-plie, you will return to the starting position (in this case, the first position). As you ascend, you will again need to use the strength of your feet and legs rather than simply straightening your knees.
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As soon as possible, push down on the heels that are still raised to bring them back into contact with the floor during the ascent.
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Step 7. Perform all push-ups gracefully
In classical dance, it is necessary to perform all exercises smoothly and gracefully, avoiding sudden movements. You have to practice a lot.
Step 8. Practice grand-plie starting from other positions
Once you are familiar with the grand-plie starting from the first position, you should start practicing with the others as well.
Advice
- Do not stick your buttocks out and do not lean forward.
- For all types of plie, always maintain the original position and a well-aligned posture, with the weight of the body distributed equally on both feet. The movement of descent and ascent of the plie must occur at a uniform speed. The legs must be rotated relative to the hips, the knees open and projected in the direction of the toes.
- Keep your shoulders down and your back straight. In each position, divide your weight evenly on both feet so you don't fall into the plie position.
- Learn the different positions and movements at the barre.
- Although it is a springboard for teaching fourth and fifth positions, the third position is rarely used outside of teaching ballet to beginner dancers.
Warnings
- Do not overdo it. You can cause damage to muscles, tendons and joints if you push yourself beyond your limits in ballet.
- Rotate your legs out at the hip joint. Do not push your knees and ankles beyond the angle within their reach, as you could damage them. Start in the rotational position in which you feel comfortable. Bringing a foot to a 90 ° angle takes a lot of time and practice.
