What is a plié, and why is it important?
In Ballet class, one of the most important moves you will ever learn is the plié. For this reason, the application is done in various positions of the feet, on different angles, and executed at varying levels. You will not for a moment go without doing a plié in every class, and you will be doing the plié as long as you are taking class. Whether you are in training for a Ballet Company, Modern Dance Company, or any other type of Dance Company, the plié will play a major role in your life as a dancer. It is one of the most important practiced technical tools you will memorize. The plié simply means to bend the knees. It's not as simple as it's definition.
While at the barre, this technique will begin after the stretch sequence. It will be performed in all positions of the feet, depending on the level of the class, and is performed both in demi (small) plié, and grand (large) plié. The instructor may reiterate the exercise of the plié during center work and in a progression phrase going across the floor. Muscle and mind memory is formed only when the plié is practiced in habitual form for the continuation of the dancers learning process.
This blog will not go into the details of muscle engagement or what the dancer must think about while using the plié, but will attempt to explain why the plié is very important. When an individual jumps, leaps, hops, skips, or uses any locomotor movement, the knees bend to give the body a soft landing. Otherwise serious injury to the body could occur and prevent further execution of the these skills. In Ballet, and also in all dance forms, movement becomes complicated, intricately detailed, changing the body weight from foot to foot. Almost every movement will require the bending of the knees. As movement demands balance in transition, the plié will become more relevant to the prevention of injury.
The plié, performed properly, can help prevent neck and spinal injuries, injury to the knees, and prevent shin splints. It is also used in conditioning the legs and other muscles through stretch and strength. The plié becomes the springboard not only for locomotor skills, and conditioning, but for the essence of movement itself. Practicing the plié would greatly benefit all athletic training especially sports that require jumping, running, dodging, etc. Incorporating the plié in every exercise regime is highly recommended in training the mind and body for the implementation of complex physical activity.