Hi! Is there an exercise or a way to become quicker at sur le cou-de pied? I can not do this barre exercise on the 1 beat, and keep it tight to the ankle. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jeanette<P>------------------<BR>

Hello TinyDancer - we had a similar thread on this subject that you might want to read:<P><A HREF=../../../ubb/Forum19/HTML/000129.html><B>Frappes</B></A><P>Even though the thread is entitles Frappés it deals with petit battements. The basic problem is keeping the thigh above the knee stable, while only moving the leg from below the knee. And that movement has to be "in and out" rather than "back and forth". That is very important.<P>At the same time the leg has to be as turned out as possible to allow a freer movement to the back of the standing ankle. You also have to be sure to lengthen out of your hips and keep your weight forward. If your weight is not forward or you are not lengthened through your spine, that will affect the speed of the petit battement.<P>You can practice these slowly and then build the speed - and you have to give it time - you have to work on it carefully and patiently.<P>I am not sure what you mean by you cannot do this on the first beat....does the music catch you by surprise? <P>There are also a number of ways to hold the foot, - some teachers teach it flexed and some pointed. I teach it with a relaxed toe/ball of the foot on flat and fully pointed in demi-pointe or full pointe. <P>But there are several ways to hold the foot that are correct.<P>The speed, however, is unaffected by how the foot is held. The speed is a matter of learning the motion the foot is describing - in and out - and how the body is held.<P>I hope this helps.