FONDU

Fondu, which translates to “melted” in French, is a term for performing a plié on one leg while the working leg simultaneously does a different movement. No matter the speed of a fondu, which can range from slow to very quick, this step should utilize a controlled and fluid movement. In the ballet class context, a fondu often refers to this single leg plié occurring while the working leg picks up to coupé then stretches out to a straight leg position. You will likely encounter a combination dedicated to fondu at the barre, which can also be commonly combined with rond de jambe en l'air. However, a fondu more generally describes a plié that happens on only one leg.*

Because fondus use a plié movement on only one leg, it is especially crucial to engage turnout from the top of the supporting leg. The knee of the supporting leg should stay over the toes as you plié, and it’s important to keep this awareness through the step. Fondu is also a great preparation for jumps that land on one leg. You can practice the technique for a safer and more placed jump landing every time you do fondus at barre, especially in combinations with multiple fondus. Barre combinations where fondus are repeated, sometimes with the added challenge of rélevé, are always a great opportunity to work on consistency with the placement and rotation of your supporting leg. 

Another important placement note for fondu is to establish the necessary shift of weight to the working side. If you plié on two legs, your weight should naturally be balanced between the two, but any time you begin a fondu from a position such as a fifth, you will need to shift your whole position to your new center line. This new center line immediately becomes the central stability and support you will use through the entire fondu, especially when the fondu travels to a rélevé or en pointe position. To get to this new center, it might seem easiest to incorrectly lift the working hip or move either your shoulders or upper body to balance out the position. Instead of giving up proper placement to be balanced, try imagining that you shift your entire fondu position to be in line with the working side plié while maintaining level hips, rotation, and placement. Maintaining a solid position that shifts as a single piece in a fondu is immensely helpful when you get to steps in the center that use a single leg plié. You will be able to travel quickly and more seamlessly between steps, set up for strong fondu rélevés, and utilize more control in difficult steps such as fouettés when you know exactly where your center line needs to be for a placed and balanced position in fondus.  

Fondus appear frequently in ballet class and choreography, and the technique and correct placement they require is incredibly useful and important for maintaining balance and control through many other steps.

*source: ballethub.com

Have a wonderful Technique Thursday!