How to Do a Basic Tendus

Tendus are basic building blocks in ballet choreography as well as a strengthening exercise. When done correctly, tendus will strengthen your ankles and give your movements and fluid, smooth look.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

How to Do Basic Tendus

1. Stand in first position with your heels together and your toes apart. Make sure your posture is correct. Your abdomen should be taut, not slack, and your shoulders should be pulled back.

2. Keeping your feet turned out, slide your right foot forward until your toe cannot slide any more without coming off the floor. Your foot should be pointed but still turned out.

3. Check your posture. Your body should still be in the same position it was in when you were standing in first position. The only difference is your right foot and leg.

4. Now, keeping your foot turned out and pointed, slide your right foot back into first position, keeping contact with the floor the entire time.

5. Besides sliding your foot to the front, tendus can be used to the side or to the back. When doing a tendu to the back, it's especially important to keep your form intact. It's easy to turn your foot in or arch your back. Nonetheless, hold your position, and keep your foot turned out.

Tips & Warnings

• Your turnout should come from your hip, not from your ankle. When you do tendus to the front, look down occasionally and make sure you can see your heel. If you can't see your heel, you need to work on your turnout.
• Slow down and focus on form until the position feels natural.