No, not the literal translation, you probably know that. No, I mean do you know, really know how to plié?
Probably not.
Most dancers, even some professionals, simply relax their leg muscles, bend their knees, and catch themselves at the bottom of their demi plié. This is a waste of time. Not only does it not develop any leg strength, it makes your landings from jumps lousy.
Here's how to really do plié.
Stand in first position, heels together, legs straight (never stand on hyperextended legs). Pull up on your quads, lifting the kneecaps, actively straightening your legs. If you don't see your leg muscles- especially the vastus lateralis, the outside quad- (in the mirror, don't look down), they're not working. Now, keeping the feeling of actively straightening your legs, start your plié. You must keep pulling up as you flex your legs, not just bend them. Resist bending your legs. Pressing your heels into the floor, continue to your demi, then to your grande, keeping the heels close to the floor. On the way back up, you must push as if there is a ton of weight pressing you down. Of course, this is done slowly, feeling the muscles working all the time.
Once you have returned to a straight leg position, if you have done it right, you will say what one of my young men said, when I taught them how to do it correctly in men's class.
"That's exhausting!"
Yup. It's also the best way to build strength.
See you in class.
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