Ballet Dictionary: Battement Tendu Devant on Fondu
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Battement Tendu Devant on Fondu
How: A Battement Tendu can be done from First or Fifth Position. This is where the working foot disengages and brushes forward, sideways or to the back. The term Devant indicates the direction of the Tendu which is “in front”. As this Tendu is done on Fondu, it describes that the Tendu is done on a bent supporting leg.
Tip: To achieve a classical line in a Tendu Devant, always lead with the heel forward for a rotated leg. In order to do so, when in first or fifth position, start the rotation by engaging the deep rotators in the glutes. From there, think of the rotation spiralling outwards going down both legs. (Right leg spiralling clockwise, left leg spiralling counter clockwise). As the spiral reaches the bottom of the legs, the working leg disengages from the first or fifth position and continues the outward spiral rotation leading from the heel in the Tendu. Both legs are always working simultaneously. So the supporting leg should also spiral outwards to keep the supporting leg rotated. This way, your legs are constantly being engaged.
Dancer: Elyssabeth Apilado, Ballet Manila 2
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 3
