A battement is a fundamental movement that builds the explosive power and functional flexibility required for advanced jumps and extensions. For beginner dancers aged 6-8, the focus is on maintaining a stable upper body while the working leg brushes through tendu and degage.
By isolating the movement first at the barre or in a lying position, students learn to engage their core and quadriceps without compromising their vertical alignment or turnout.
This lesson begins with active hamstring stretches and core stabilization to ensure the lower back remains protected during high kicks. As the class moves into en centre and across-the-floor exercises, the emphasis shifts to the “supporting” leg—ensuring it remains glued to the floor with a straight knee while the working leg performs the battement.
| Skill/Position | Activity Description | Teacher Notes |
| Cardio | 4×8 jumping jacks; 4×8 high knees; 4×8 “butt kicks” | Keep energy high with an upbeat track. |
| Plié & Relevé | 4×8 Slow pliés and relevés in Parallel 1st and 2nd | Focus on ankle alignment; no “wobbling.” |
| Hamstrings & Core | Seated pike stretch; Straddle reach; Plank hold (24 counts) | Pull the belly button to the spine. |
| Battements | Tendus and degages en croix, R and L | Brushing through the floor, straight knees & pointed toes before you can move on to battements! |
| Facing the barre, in parallel first, brush grand battement to the back. Alternate right and left side | Watch knees of both supporting and working legs – Make sure they stay straight! | |
| Active Stretch | Laying on back: “Scissors” (controlled leg lowers/lifts) | Keep the lower back pressed into the floor. |
| Parallel 1st | Battement to the front (alternating R and L) | Hands on hips; check for “quiet” upper bodies. |
| Second Position | Battement in second | Focus on keeping the supporting heel down. |
| Battements | Step-kick (battements) across the floor (right and left, to the front) | Keep the supporting leg “glued” to the floor. |
| Combination | Short combination (4-8 eight counts) incorporating battements to the front, back, and/ or side. Other skills: chainnes, chasses, single turn/prep, sissone | Encourage faces and sharp arms. |
| Review the word of the day: Battement. |
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