Tendu

Definition

Tendu is a fundamental ballet movement where one leg extends straight out along the floor while the toes remain in contact with the ground. This action helps dancers develop strength and control in their feet and legs, serving as a building block for more complex movements in ballet. Tendu also plays a crucial role in establishing body alignment and facilitating the transition between various positions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tendu translates to 'stretched' in French, reflecting the action of extending the leg outwards.
2. In a typical tendu, dancers start from a closed position, like first or fifth position, and then slide their foot along the floor until it reaches a pointed position.
3. Tendu is often practiced at the barre as part of warm-up exercises to prepare the body for more demanding movements.
4. This movement emphasizes articulation of the foot and ankle, helping dancers achieve proper technique and foot placement.
5. Tendu can be performed in various directions, including front (devant), side (à la seconde), and back (derrière), making it a versatile movement in ballet.

Review Questions

• How does practicing tendu contribute to a dancer's overall technique and performance?
  • Practicing tendu is essential for developing strength, control, and flexibility in a dancer's feet and legs. It lays the foundation for more complex movements by enhancing body alignment and coordination. As dancers master tendu, they gain better articulation in their footwork, which is crucial for executing various ballet sequences with precision and grace.
• Discuss how tendu is used as a transitional movement in ballet choreography.
  • Tendu serves as an important transitional movement within ballet choreography by connecting various positions and steps seamlessly. Its ability to flow smoothly into other movements allows dancers to maintain momentum and fluidity. This makes tendu vital for establishing rhythm and timing in dance sequences, as well as aiding in the execution of movements like dégagé and battement.
• Evaluate the role of tendu in developing a dancer's physical skills and artistic expression throughout their training.
  • Tendu plays a critical role in nurturing both the physical skills and artistic expression of dancers during their training. As a foundational movement, it helps build strength, flexibility, and control, which are necessary for mastering more intricate techniques. Additionally, tendu encourages dancers to focus on details such as body alignment and foot placement, allowing them to convey emotions and artistry through their movements. By integrating tendu into their practice, dancers refine their technique while also enhancing their ability to express themselves artistically.

Related terms

Dégagé: A movement in ballet where the foot brushes off the floor to an extended position, allowing for a quick disengagement from the ground.

Plié: A bending of the knees, which is essential for many ballet movements and helps to build strength and flexibility in the legs.

Battement: A movement in which the working leg is lifted from the hip and then brought back down, typically used to develop height and strength in leg movements.