How to Do a Ballet Plie

A plie is one of the basic moves in ballet. There are 2 types of plies--demi and grande--and they can be done from any of the 5 basic ballet positions.

Things You'll Need

• Ballet shoes
• Ballet barre (optional)

Instructions

1. Stand in first position with your legs turned at a 180-degree angle. Your back should be straight, your arms should be stretched out and your shoulders should be facing forward.

2. Do a half bend by keeping your body straight, bend your knees and do a slight bend. Your descent should take 2 counts and your ascent should take another 2 counts. Keep your heels on the floor at all times. This is a demi plie.

3. Bend down from first position. Your thighs should be horizontal to each other and will form a diamond shape as you bend. Go down to the count of 4, and back up to the count of 4. Your heels will lift off the ground--press them back into the floor as you move back to first position. This is a grande plie. When you do a grande plie from second position, your heels will remain on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a ballet barre if you have one. If not, you might want to use a chair for balance.