Balances Across the Floor

A balance exercise across the floor that preps for pirouettes by holding your center, so multiple rotations become possible later.

Start in fifth. Slide out into a big chassé down to second, then come up in sous-sus. Step out into the prep, with about 80 percent of the weight on the front leg and 20 percent on the back. Rise to passé and hold it flat. Then go up in relevé.

Think up, and keep the upper body relaxed.