Grand Rond de Jambe

A new advanced practice for dancers and non-dancers alike. The setup here is quite particular, so please comment below if you have questions, or contact me personally. This practice gives you a little clue for a new gallery and project that I have in the works!

Here we are using the barre to access the mobility of the hips. Beginning with a foundational sequence that encourages the use of the upper body, to lengthen out through the spine, hip and legs. This is an important pre-requisite, so that we can feel the tenacity of the spring and control the grand rond de jambe (big circle with the hip/leg).

I’m using the long purple springs. A medium to heavy spring will help you to achieve greater range of motion. But, the heavier the spring, the more you need to control it. Thus, you need upper body strength and good organisation of the shoulder girdle, under this load.

If you don’t have a barre, you can use the wall. There won’t be a pulling element. But, it is still very effective.

I recommend the Elements Y Loops (Small / Wide) They fit most women. Men may need the larger style.

I am using the Elements Y Loops (Small / Narrow) - as I have small feet and I like a very snug fit, that way I am not distracted by the straps slipping.

If your hooks are too high and you have too much resistance, you could use a lighter long spring (you need the length) or you could play with the Elements Extensions to find the best length for yourself / your students proportions.

Another option, if you have a Yoga wall / CoreAlign ladder, or similar apparatus, that doesn’t have hooks; you can use Cuffs for Bars.