This exercise is intended to strengthen the hip flexors and develop strength for aspiring dancers to lift their legs. As a result, my Ballet students exceeded their personal highest when it comes to developpes ( progressive extension of the leg away from body). Aside from strengthening hip flexors, the exercise tones and improves control of the upper leg . It also improves balance and sensitivity to the body’s center of gravity. While this exercise was originally intended for Ballet dancers, everyone will definitely enjoy better leg control and a beautiful elongated tone of the legs.
To start the exercise, stand in front of a barre or a piece of furniture that can carry the weight of your leg. Do note that the piece of furniture need not be as high as in the illustration below. Place your leg on the piece of furniture then float the leg 2 inches above the furniture surface. Pulse your leg up and down by half an inch for 100 times.
Fig. 1 A la Seconde Leg Pulses
