DÉVELOPPÉ

Développé, translating to “develop” in French, is a ballet term that describes the pathway of the working leg traveling to an extended position independent of the supporting leg. A développé can aim to reach any height, but often refers to a leg extension of ninety degrees or higher. In a développé, the working leg travels from a starting position, usually fifth position front or back, through a coupe or sur le cou-de-pied, then up to passé before disconnecting from the supporting leg and traveling to the target leg height. 

A defining element of développé is the connection that the working leg maintains with the supporting leg all the way until it leaves the passé position. It’s important to keep the coupe or sur le cou-de-pied connected along the working leg all the way to passé, as this will highlight the moment the leg disconnects and travels independently to the extension. Because this step focuses so much on the working leg, it’s crucial to pay attention to turnout as the working leg begins its path through the step. Engaging turnout from the tops of both legs while you’re still in fifth position will help set up the correct rotation when the leg begins the développé. 

To get to the sur le cou-de-pied position that begins a développé front or side, think of the pinky toes leading back first and the foot staying as connected to the ankle as possible as the working foot wraps around the standing leg. To the back, the pinky toe will also lead, and although the back coupe will not be wrapped it should still stay connected and crossed behind. Next, think of the big toe tracing a line along the shin up to the passe for front developpe and the heel to the back of the calf for a back développé. This path should be as direct as possible. Make sure the foot doesn’t try to sickle along the way! 

The moment when the foot leaves passé and travels to the développé extension is very important, and your turnout should remain engaged as the toes leave the working leg. For a développé front, remember to travel through a front attitude while thinking of the heel leading the leg out. You probably have heard teachers ask you to imagine you are balancing a teacup on your heel for a turned-out attitude front, and the same is true for the attitude position in a développé. To the back, this rotation will involve an attitude back, so rotate as you would with a back attitude before extending the lower part of the leg and foot. The knee should not drop to the back. To the side, it is helpful to imagine that the working hip rotating down and staying square as the knee lifts before extending through the foot. A lifted hip is not part of a correct développé in any direction. 

With an emphasis on the height and path of the working leg, it can be challenging to remember that awareness of your supporting side is equally important. It can even give your working leg the freedom to go higher! First, make sure you are not sinking into the supporting side. Even though it might feel like bending the standing leg helps you lift your leg higher, it will not engage the muscles that you need to développé correctly. Think of your standing side simultaneously lifting and stretching down into the ground, especially through the back of the knee. Support from the standing leg’s rotator muscles. As you lift the leg, make sure the supporting side length and rotation is maintained the whole time, especially when your leg reaches the highest point of the développé. It’s also a good idea to check in with your port de bras. Remember that you can still make the upper body look effortless in a leg focused step. It may even help your développés feel easier! 

Have a wonderful Technique Thursday!