by Amy Brandt | Mar 6, 2026 | Pointe+, Technique, Training
At its most simplified, to plié (from the French verb “plier”) means “to bend.” Yet this foundational ballet step—usually the first one we learn as dancers—holds the secrets to so much more, including relevés, jumping, turning, traveling, and...
by Madeline Schrock | Nov 19, 2018 | Cross-Training, Technique
A shallow plié can be frustrating for any dancer. But even if you think you’ve reached your limit, a deeper, juicier plié may be achievable, says Karen Clippinger, professor at California State University, Long Beach, and author of Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology....