This #TechniqueThursday we're talking all about Tendus!

Tendu

The French word Tendu generally translates to “stretched” in the context of ballet. This step involves stretching the leg out either front, back, or side while maintaining a connection to the floor at all times (unlike dégagés or jetés that lift from the floor). Before even leaving your first or fifth position for a tendu to the front or side, imagine your rotation engaging from the tops of your legs and your heel leading out before even moving your foot. If you are conscious of engaging your rotation before a tendu it will become part of your technique and you will start to automatically remember! To the back, imagine your toes leading out first. When you establish your turnout before you even start a tendu, it’s much easier for the working leg to stay turned out through the step and get to the correct place. This conscious engagement will also help you maintain correct placement with faster steps and quick movements in class. 

Tendus are the base of many steps at the barre such as jetés, dégagés, rond de jambes and battements. There are usually multiple tendu combinations at the barre because there are just so many things to think about when working on correct tendu technique. They’re also a foundation for many steps in center such as jetés, assemblés, grand jetés, and jeté entrelacé. 

Tendus help engage proper muscles that strengthen your center work and your overall dancing if you use proper posture and alignment, make sure you don’t have the tendu too far back past your natural turnout, and fully stretch your working leg. There’s always a lot to remember when you’re doing tendus (which can be overwhelming), but if you focus on how valuable tendus are to the rest of your dancing they will become a step you look forward to improving every class!

Have a wonderful Technique Thursday!