How should rond de jambe be executed at the barre for turnout and line?

How should rond de jambe be executed at the barre for turnout and line?

• A. Circle the leg from the knee with turnout, guiding the circle with the pelvis freely.
• B. Circle the leg from the hip with turnout, keeping the pelvis stable and the working knee pointed along the line of the circle.
• C. Circle the leg from the hip with turnout, but allow the pelvis to tilt.
• D. Circle the leg from the ankle with turnout.

Answer: (B)

The movement is generated from the hip, not the knee or ankle, while maintaining turnout. This approach keeps the thigh rotating from the hip joint, so turnout stays active throughout the circle and the leg traces a clean arc. A stable pelvis is essential; with level hips, the working knee can point along the line of the circle, preserving a precise, elongated silhouette. If the circle is driven from the knee or ankle, turnout can collapse and the pelvis may tilt, which breaks the line and makes the circle look uneven. So the best path is to use the hip to drive the circle, keep the pelvis steady, and guide the knee to follow the circle’s line.

The movement is generated from the hip, not the knee or ankle, while maintaining turnout. This approach keeps the thigh rotating from the hip joint, so turnout stays active throughout the circle and the leg traces a clean arc. A stable pelvis is essential; with level hips, the working knee can point along the line of the circle, preserving a precise, elongated silhouette. If the circle is driven from the knee or ankle, turnout can collapse and the pelvis may tilt, which breaks the line and makes the circle look uneven. So the best path is to use the hip to drive the circle, keep the pelvis steady, and guide the knee to follow the circle’s line.