I read an article in one of my classes titled “The Grande Plie Question” where it was questioned if grande plie is a good or bad exercise to practice in ballet class. The answer is: yes and no.
On one hand, the grande plie can be dangerous. You’re putting seven times your own body weight onto your legs, knees, and ankles when you go deep into plie. It can be a lot for you body to handle, especially if it’s done during the very beginning of class.
On the other hand, grande plies do a lot of good. They help prepare you for leaps, jumps, turns, etc. They are key tools in the foundation of ballet performances.
The solution: ease into it. Make sure your body is warm before class. Don’t come rushing in with two minutes to spare–give yourself some time to run a couple laps and properly stretch. As an instructor, don’t have grande plies right away. Start with some tendus and ram de jambes. Do not attempt grande plie in fourth position as a beginning ballet student (especially children). It’s a difficult and risky position as it is, and with the added weight, the is more room for injury.
Be safe. Be a responsible student. Be a mindful instructor.
Medial Impulse 