Correlations Between Balance Duration and Biomechanical Variables from Fifth Position Preparation through Relevé Retiré / Nicole Greene-Cramer (2023)

Maintaining balance in a relevé retiré position is a goal for all ballet dancers, as the position is used commonly throughout classical ballet technique. To arrive in this position, a transfer of weight from bipedal to unipedal occurs, after a demi plié preparation. These preceding movements affect the outcome of the relevé retiré balance, though many studies omit them from analysis. Teachers’ instructions regarding how to properly execute the full movement phrase to achieve a longer balance duration are largely based on the instructions passed down from generations of ballet dancers and teacher before, some less effective than others. This multi-phase research aimed to learn how ballet teachers instruct each stage of the movement phrase, from fifth position through relevé retiré, and find correlations between balance duration and biomechanical variables mentioned in the instructions, all with reference to the lower limbs. Phase one participants (n=38) consisting of ballet teachers worldwide, completed an online survey listing the instructions they convey to their students. Main themes throughout each stage were alignment (anterior/posterior pelvic tilt, knee over ipsilateral foot, lateral pelvic tilt), muscular activation (external rotation, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, calves), timing (quick arrival to retiré and relevé), and weight distribution (equal or unequal between feet). Phase two participants (n=12), having at least three years of ballet experience, performed four trials of the study movement while 3D kinematic, surface electromyographic, weight distribution, and balance duration data were collected. Total average balance duration was 2.1 ± 2.11 seconds. Statistical analysis for phase two yielded non-significant results (all p values >.05), though moderate correlations were noted for all variables. Results suggest the proper cumulative execution of all variables tested, not one single variable more than another, is important to achieving a longer balance duration. This research serves as the groundwork for future studies that should aim to test more variables, both in the lower limbs and other segments of the body, to create a comprehensive understanding of the biomechanics of this movement, and provide clear, effective instructions for teachers and dancers to apply in their practice.