The Demi Plie

By Cristina Michaels

To bend half way/ or literally – half bend or 

One of the most common threads in my dance experience is the thread between demi plie. Looking closer at a dancers demi plie. It is a lesson in opposition. Despite that fact this organic action is going downward. We bend our knee and ankle so the natural motion is down.  

Demi Plie has a Deeper Intention. 

After thousands of hours of executing a demi plie the  deeper mental intention is not down.  It is upward and lifted.  

Like the Martialled Art of Kungfu ballet is the epitome of repetition.  The sooner we grasp the idea that demi plie is a lifting upward thought process in the body. The easier execution and landing from pirouettes, petite allegro and grande allegro movements.  

Muscles to know Rectus abdominis, the diaphragm, and iliopsoas muscle group.

One integral part of this lifting and an upward movement are a few muscle groups.  Rectus abdominis, the diaphragm, and iliopsoas muscle group.  As the abdominal muscles draw toward the back of the spine.  There should also be a lifting of that intention by the diaphragm.  Under the ribs suspending the ribs, lungs, heart off of the waist.  The last is the iliopsoas muscle group.  The risk with this muscle group is the unintended pelvic tuck.  The iliacus can often have the young dancer tucking the pelvis upon a demi plie.  Understanding the nature of the pelvic tilt is vital in a healthy dancer.