The barre or the ballet stretching exercises are the very foundation of ballet dancing training. As the ballet dancers would all agree, these simple yet extremely focused exercises are invaluable to building the overall grace, alignment and correct placement of the body. The barre consists of a number of exercises; each of them contributing their bit to the overall grace and perfection of the ballet dancer.

1. Plies – these exercises are mostly for developing balancing power. They are used to enhance the flexibility of the joints, tendons and muscles, and keep them soft and elastic. These are the very first exercises done at the barre.

2. Tendus – these exercises are done to help the dancer master the arches and force the instep outward. The tendus concentrates on the ankles and feet movement and the articulation of these particular muscles.

3. Degage – this is usually a continuation to the tendus. They help in strengthening the toes and the ankle joint flexibility. As a continuation to the tendus, it also helps in improving the instep.

4. Frappe – these exercises address the power of elevation and also work to complement the tendus and degage exercises in strengthening the instep.

5. Rond de Jambe – there are two types of exercises here, (i) Rond de jambe a terre and (ii) Rond de jambe en l’air. The first one helps to align the toe and heel into the perfect balance of a ballet dancer; the second one is done to loosen the joints of the hips and turn the legs outwards.

6. Developpe – these exercises strengthen the muscles of the back, legs and the abdomen. This is particularly helpful for enhancing the capacity of holding one leg in the air; it also help in maintaining balance.

7. Fondu – these exercises are designed to strengthen the leg muscles to be used to jumping high in the air.

8. Grand battement – the last of the barre, this is usually done after the ballet stretching exercises. It particularly aims at the alignment of the legs and hips while it lightens the elevation capacity of the leg.

The whole set has been known generally as the most essential ballet stretching exercises and a must-do before any serious dancing workouts. A good number of people use these ballet stretching exercises to help themselves get back into shape post a sedentary life – could be due to sickness or injury. Since the barre addresses all the important muscles, joints and tendons necessary for dancing, dancers consider it as their mantra – a vital tool before any performance and the base of any preparation.