Ballet's Fondue: A Beginner's Guide To The Term And Its Importance

Fondue, or fondu in ballet, is a term for performing a plié on one leg while the working leg simultaneously does a different movement. The word 'fondu' means 'melted' or 'melting' in French, and the movement should be performed smoothly and fluidly, like melting snow or cheese. Fondus are an important preparation for jumps and help dancers to gain strength and control.

The definition of 'fondue' in ballet

Fondue, or fondu in ballet, is a French term that means "melted". In ballet, it refers to a controlled, fluid, and gradual movement where a dancer performs a plié on one leg while the working leg simultaneously does a different movement. This can range from slow to very quick, but it should always be smooth and performed with the knee bending over the supporting foot. The dancer's working leg can be in various positions on the ground or in the air.

A fondu is a very important step as it helps the dancer gain strength and control, preparing them for more advanced steps such as pirouettes and jumps. It is a fundamental exercise in ballet that helps dancers improve their balance and control, which are crucial for many other steps and choreography.

When performing a battement fondu, the knee is not raised, and the leg is not lifted. These actions only occur when the exercise is performed with the legs at a 45 or 90-degree angle. It is important to ensure that the standing leg is properly turned out, and the knee of the supporting leg stays over the toes during the plié.

Additionally, the hips should remain immovable, regardless of the direction the legs go. The upper body should also be stable, with the top of the head "aspiring to reach the sky" while the heels remain firmly on the ground. This creates a sense of the body reaching in two opposite directions.

Fondus are commonly practised at the barre and are often combined with other movements such as rond de jambe en l'air. They are a great way to prepare for jumps that land on one leg, helping dancers achieve safer and more controlled landings.

How to perform a battement fondue

A "battement fondu" in ballet is a gradual and controlled movement that involves bending the supporting leg while coordinating with the bending and straightening of the working leg. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform this elegant and fluid movement:

Prepare Your Stance:

Begin in a comfortable standing position, with your legs turned out in a sur le cou-de-pied stance, which means "on the neck of your foot." Ensure your feet are properly aligned, with your toes pointing forward or turned out, depending on the direction you choose to extend your working leg.

Initiate the Movement:

Start with a demi plié, a half-bend of the supporting leg, while keeping your upper body stable and engaged. As you bend, focus on turning out your hips and maintaining proper alignment to allow for a natural knee bend. Keep your spine lengthened, reaching upwards towards the ceiling.

Coordinate the Legs:

As you bend the supporting leg, simultaneously peel the working leg off the floor through the foot, extending it smoothly to the front, side, or back. The working leg can finish on the floor ("a terre") or in the air ("en lair") at a 45 or 90-degree angle. Ensure that both legs straighten smoothly and simultaneously, regardless of the height of the working leg.

Maintain Proper Form:

Throughout the movement, keep your hips square and immovable, and engage your core to maintain stability. Distribute your weight evenly over the supporting foot, being mindful of your alignment to avoid rolling in at the ankle. Use resistance in your legs to control the movement and avoid collapsing during the downward phase.

Finish with Control:

Whether you choose to finish with the supporting leg in a "fondue" (bent knee) or a "releve" (straight leg), ensure you maintain balance and coordination. The battement fondu is often combined with other movements like "rond de jambe en l'air," "fouettes," or "tombes" to create graceful and complex combinations.

The battement fondu is a challenging but essential step in ballet, helping dancers build strength, improve coordination, and gain control, which are crucial for more advanced steps and jumps. With practice and proper technique, you'll be able to execute this fluid and elegant movement with grace and precision.

The importance of correct alignment

A fondu is a ballet term for performing a plié on one leg while the working leg does a different movement. The name comes from the French word 'fondu', which means "melted", and this smooth, melting action is what the dancer should aim for. Correct alignment is crucial for achieving this fluid movement and for preventing injury.

When performing a fondu, the dancer's supporting leg must be engaged in a turnout, with the knee staying over the toes as the dancer bends into a plié. This is an important awareness to maintain throughout the step. The dancer's weight must shift to the working side, and this shift should be achieved by moving the whole position, rather than by lifting the working hip or moving the shoulders or upper body. This ensures the hips stay level and helps the dancer maintain a solid, stable position.

The fondu is a challenging step, and correct alignment is essential for achieving the control and fluidity that characterise the movement. The dancer's body should stretch in two opposite directions: the lower part towards the ground and the upper part towards the ceiling. The hips should remain immovable, no matter the direction of the legs.

Correct alignment in a fondu is also important for preparing the dancer for other steps, such as jumps and pirouettes. Practising fondus at the barre is a great way to work on consistency and placement, which will improve the dancer's balance and control. This step is an important building block for more advanced techniques, and mastering it with correct alignment will help the dancer progress safely and effectively.

Fondue as preparation for other steps

Fondue, or fondou, is a French word that means "melted". In ballet, it refers to a controlled and fluid movement where a dancer performs a plié on one leg while the other leg simultaneously does a different movement. This can range from slow to very quick, but the movement should always be smooth and gradual. Fondus are an important part of ballet training and choreography as they help dancers gain strength and control, preparing them for more advanced steps.

Strength and Control

The controlled and gradual movement of a fondu helps dancers gain strength and control in their legs. This is achieved by correctly aligning the knee over the supporting foot, which also helps prevent injuries. By practising this movement, dancers can improve their technique and execute more challenging steps with ease.

Jump Preparation

The single-leg plié of a fondu is excellent preparation for jumps that land on one leg. By practising fondus at the barre, dancers can learn to land their jumps with better placement and stability. This helps them master the technique for safer and more controlled jump landings.

Weight Shift and Balance

Fondus teach dancers about weight shift and balance. When performing a fondu, dancers must shift their weight to the working side and establish a new centre line for stability. This awareness of weight distribution and balance is crucial for maintaining stability and control in more complex steps, especially those that require quick transitions between movements.

Turnout

Proper turnout is essential in ballet, and fondus provide an excellent opportunity to focus on this. By concentrating on turning out the hips and knees, dancers can achieve a deeper plié without forcing the knees to bend artificially. This understanding of turnout will benefit their technique in numerous other steps.

Upper Body Control

In a fondu, it is important to maintain a straight upper body and avoid lifting the working hip to balance the position. This focus on upper body control carries over to other steps, helping dancers maintain proper form and stability throughout their performances.

In conclusion, fondue is a fundamental step in ballet that serves as a building block for more advanced techniques. By practising fondus, dancers can improve their strength, control, balance, and technique, allowing them to execute more challenging steps with grace and precision.

Similarities with other movements

The ballet term "fondue" or "fondu" is similar to several other movements in ballet. One such movement is the "plié", which is performed on two legs, whereas a fondu is performed on a single leg. The fondu is also similar to the ballone, as the start of a fondu is similar to the ending of a ballone. The ballone can be performed with a relevé instead of a sauté, and it can also be done without a jump. Another similar movement is the "battement fondu", which is a more complicated exercise where the standing leg actively participates by doing a plié simultaneously with a battement done by the other leg. The "rond de jambe en l'air" is also commonly combined with a fondu.

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