5 Easy Tips for Mastering the Promenade
pronunciation: prom-en-odd
translation: "walk"
What is it?
The promenade is a ballet move in which a dancer turns around on one leg with the standing leg’s heel on the floor, while the other leg is in a position such as an arabesque or attitude derriere. In order to turn all the way around while maintaining balance, a dancer lifts the heel slightly and scoots it to rotate the body as a whole. A promenade is not to be mistaken for a pirouette, in which a dancer is on relevé while turning.
Promenade and Ballet
Promenades are primarily done solo or with a partner in what is called a pas de deux. Solo practices of the promenade are usually done in adagio combinations in ballet class. They help improve a dancer's strength and balance.
In the instance of partner routines or a pas de deux, promenades are quite common. A ballerina will usually start in arabesque or attitude. The male partner will then support her by grabbing her waist or hands. He will then walk in a circle while maintaining her balance.
5 Tips for Balancing in Promenade
As a beginner, practice the promenade in arabesque with these 5 simple tips:
Make sure that both legs are turned out. This engages the rotator muscles on the standing leg to help hold the leg in position.
Grounding is important to maintain balance. To do this, ground your standing leg into the floor. At the same time, lift the upper half of your body as if you are being pulled in different directions.
The opposition pull goes for the arm and leg in arabesque as well. Reach out through your front arm (opposite arm as the leg in arabesque) while reaching out the leg in arabesque towards the back.
Squeeze that bottom! This will help your balance.
Go through the following checklist to ensure you are properly positioned. It is important to maintain proper positioning, as it will strengthen your balance.
Is your back leg straight?
Is your back foot fully pointed?
Are you reaching through the working leg like you want it to grow longer?
Remember, this is a difficult position! Like anything else, practice will help build the strength needed to successfully complete the whole promenade circle without falling out of it. However, don’t be discouraged if you fall out. Just be aware that it is all about proper technique. It is more important to practice the promenade in the correct position and fall out of it than it is to sloppily complete the promenade in an incorrect position. This is the most advanced step we have learned so far, so be kind to yourself and don't give up!
