tendu

Tendu is a fundamental movement in classical ballet, derived from the French tendre, meaning “to stretch.” It involves the working leg sliding from a starting position along the floor into a fully extended position, with the foot pointed and the foot staying in contact with the floor throughout the motion. The movement emphasizes turnout, alignment, and a long line from the hip to the toe.

In execution, tendu typically begins from a turnout position such as fifth or a variation of first position. The working leg slides along the floor with the knee straight, the ankle and foot aligned, and the toes pointed. The thigh remains rotated outward to maintain turnout, and the movement ends with the foot pointed in an extended position. The foot then returns to the starting point along the floor. Tendu can be performed in three directions: devant (to the front), a la seconde (to the side), and derrière (to the back). A grand tendu, or grande tendue, is a larger, more extended variation that reaches closer to the working leg’s full length.

Purpose and use: tendu teaches the dancer to lengthen the leg, stabilize the supporting leg, and develop a clean, continuous line from hip to toe. It serves as a warm-up and a building block for more complex steps, such as grand battement and various leaps, and is taught across most schools of ballet.

Common notes: proper execution relies on consistent turnout from the hips, a stable supporting leg, a pointed foot, and control to avoid collapsing the ankle or bending the knee. Consistent practice develops leg strength, balance, and flow within movements.