Simple Ballet Exercises You Can Practice at Home

1. Pliés (knee bends)

Stand with feet together (holding a chair or counter for balance if needed). Slowly bend the knees keeping the body straight and tall. Make sure the hips and shoulders stay in line over the feet. Slowly stretch the legs to return to standing.

Keeping the heels together, turn out the toes to a natural first position and repeat the exercise, bending the knees outwards over the toes to make a diamond shape with the legs.

Benefits: posture, coordination, leg strength.

Do 8 slow pliés in parallel and 8 in first position

2. Tendus at the Kitchen Counter

Hold lightly with one hand and turn out your feet to first position. Slide your foot forward along the floor until your foot is stretched and just your big toe remains on the floor, slide back to close in first position. Repeat to the side, and back. Try to use the floor to articulate through the foot.

Benefits: ankle strength, foot articulation, hip mobility.

Do 4 per direction on each foot.

3. Simple Balances in Parallel & First Position

Stand with feet together (hold onto a chair or countertop for balance if needed). Rise slowly onto your bent toes (demi-pointe), hold for a count of 4 (lift your hands to test your balance) and lower slowly through the feet.

Keeping the heels together, turn out the toes and repeat the exercise in first position

Benefits: balance, calves, core strength.

Do 8 slow rises in parallel and 8 in first position.