Today I felt was a little rushed going through our a la secondes, and since they are so important (because they will be in our camp routine and dance routine), I decided to make a post talking about the technique of it so that you can practice at home. (I know you won't have room to do it full out)
I want to make sure all my instructions are clear.
I found a video on you tube that does a great job at explaining and demonstrating. (when watching, please don't listen to her counts though... ours are different)
Look at her posture, form, flexibility and strength. Like I said, some of you may not be able to bring your leg to hip height until we get our strength in our hip flexors and flexibility up (which will happen the more you practice these)
The main changes in levels will happen on counts 1 and 2.
Counting goes:
- (5,6) prep 7,8
- AND 1 - there shouldn't be much of a level change from AND to 1, but a deep plie (she does a great job at this in the video)
- 2 - everything comes to second, arms strong and tight, and leg completely straight
- 3- plie again to corner
- 4- everything comes to second again
- and so on
*Things to focus on:
- Spot
- lemon juice (ya know what I mean)
- abs tight (remember, the tighter your abs and the quicker your spot, the easier these will be)
- heads up
- precise arms
- DRILLING the ball of your foot into the ground
- NO hopping! (Unless I make you hold it! haha)
Getting started correctly is half the battle... it is the hardest part. If you get your first a la seconde correct, your next should be golden!
Practice your form at home. Do the basic things that she does at the beginning of the video. This WILL help your turns if you do this for just 5 minutes a day at home. Keep stretching, smiling, and being awesome!
