Tendus

Definition

Tendus are a foundational ballet movement where one leg is extended out to the front, side, or back with the toes pointed, then returned to a closed position. This movement helps develop strength, flexibility, and proper foot alignment, serving as a key exercise for dancers to enhance their technique and posture. Tendus also emphasize the importance of coordination and control, which are essential in various styles of dance, especially in musical theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tendus are usually performed at the barre as part of a warm-up routine to strengthen the feet and legs.
2. In tendus, it's crucial to keep the supporting leg straight and engaged to maintain proper alignment.
3. The term 'tendu' comes from the French word meaning 'stretched,' which accurately describes the action of extending the foot.
4. Tendus can be done in various directions: front (devant), side (à la seconde), and back (derrière), each serving different purposes in choreography.
5. In musical theater, mastering tendus can enhance a dancer's ability to execute more complex movements with grace and fluidity.

Review Questions

• How do tendus contribute to a dancer's overall technique and performance in musical theater?
  • Tendus play a vital role in developing a dancer's technique by promoting strength, flexibility, and proper foot alignment. They help dancers build control over their movements, making transitions smoother in choreography. In musical theater, where precision and expressiveness are crucial, being proficient in tendus allows performers to execute more complex steps with greater ease and fluidity.
• Discuss the importance of directionality in performing tendus and how it affects choreography.
  • The directionality of tendus—whether performed front, side, or back—affects how dancers integrate movements into choreography. Each direction targets different muscle groups and contributes to overall balance and coordination. Understanding this can help choreographers create visually engaging sequences while allowing dancers to showcase their strengths through varied movements.
• Evaluate how practicing tendus influences a dancer's performance quality in a musical theater context.
  • Practicing tendus significantly enhances a dancer's performance quality by developing essential skills such as strength, balance, and precision. This foundational movement allows dancers to achieve better control over their bodies, leading to smoother transitions in choreography. In musical theater, where storytelling is conveyed through movement, mastering tendus enables performers to express emotions more effectively through their dance, making their performances more captivating.

Related terms

plié: A bending of the knees while keeping the feet flat on the floor, which is fundamental for balance and transitioning between movements.

dégagé: A movement where the foot lifts slightly off the ground, emphasizing speed and precision in the extension of the leg.

adagio: A series of slow and controlled movements that focus on balance, strength, and fluidity, often incorporating tendus.