How to Do a Plie in Ballet

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A plié is a simple ballet step that is learned while covering the basics. Although it’s often taught to beginners, it’s one of the most important movements that you’ll learn because it’s used in so many different dance steps. By nailing the right form and correct body positions, you can learn how to plié in minutes—however, mastering the form can take years, so keep practicing! Read on to learn how to do a plié.

Question 1 of 6:

What is a plié?

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  1. It’s also used in jumps and turns to absorb shock and prevent injuries in the knees. It’s one of the first moves that you’ll learn, but you’ll have time to perfect it as you advance your technique. [1]
    • You can do a plié from all 5 ballet positions (first position, second position, third position, fourth position, and fifth position).
    • A plié is one of the 7 basic dance movements in the Cecchetti method.
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Question 2 of 6:

What are the 2 different types of a plié?

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  1. You won’t bend down as far in a demi-plié, and you might need to work a little more on your balance and control. This is usually the first type of plié that you’ll learn.
  2. In this plié, you’ll bend down as far as you can go while keeping your spine straight and your backside tucked. It can take a little more strength and muscle to control the plié all the way back up. [2]
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Question 3 of 6:

How do you do a demi-plié?

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  1. Turn out in first position using your hip joint. [3] Start by bending your knees just slightly, keeping your upper body straight with your shoulders down. Don’t stick your backside out or adjust your hips—simply lower at the knees while keeping the rest of your body straight. [4]
  2. Stop bending your knees when they extend just over your toes. If you feel your heels starting to come off the ground, stop bending. [5]
  3. Push your weight straight down into the floor with your legs and feet to push yourself back up. Continue keeping your shoulders down, head up, and bottom tucked during the upward movement. Continue rising until your thighs and knees are back together in your starting position. [6]
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Question 4 of 6:

How do you do a grand-plié?

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  1. Since you are bending further down at the knees in a grand-plié, your heels will naturally come off the ground. Even though the weight shifts to the forward parts of your feet entirely, your upper body should be perfectly straight, meaning your center of gravity should still feel as though you are standing with legs straight.
  2. Once your heels come off the ground, keep bending your knees even lower. Continue lowering as far as you can until your thighs are nearly horizontal and your knees are almost fully bent.
  3. Engage your quads and glutes to push your body back upwards into your starting position. When rising, use your feet and legs rather than simply the knees to straighten. Push down with your raised heels to reconnect them with the floor as soon as possible in the rising motion. [7]
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Question 5 of 6:

Which muscles do you use in a plié?

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  1. It’s important not to hunch over or bend your spine as you lower down. You can control your movements by engaging your core and your abs to lock your spine into place. [8]
  2. As you bend down, engage, your glutes, quads, and hamstrings to slow your movement. When you rise up, engage your glutes, quads, and hamstrings again to push yourself up slowly without jerking your body around.
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Question 6 of 6:

Which stretches help with a plié?

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  1. Place your hands on a wall or the barre and stick one foot out about 12 in (30 cm) behind you. Bend your front knee and push your back heel down onto the floor until you feel a stretch in your calf, then hold it for about 30 seconds. Repeat this on the other leg. [9]
  2. Sit down on the ground and pull your heels in toward yourself, letting your knees splay outward to create a diamond shape with your legs. Rest your elbows on your knees and slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch in your inner thighs. Hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I improve my plie?
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Geraldine Grace Johns is a Professional Ballerina and the Owner of Grace Ballet in New York and Los Angeles. Geraldine toured through New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Korea as Jammes in Ken Hill's Original Phantom of the Opera. She has studied with the Royal Academy of Dance in London to become a teacher and taught for the Kudo School of Ballet in Yokohama. Geraldine also ran her own Royal Academy of Dance School in New Zealand before studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City. Geraldine was a guest coach and Master Class teacher in Toronto for the Canadian Royal Academy of Dance's Dance Challenge in 2018, 2019, and 2020. She was also a guest coach and Master Class teacher for the USA Royal Academy of Dance Challenge in Long Beach, California in 2019 and 2020. Grace Ballet Los Angeles has won recognition as one of 13 Best Ballet Schools in Los Angeles since opening her school. Geraldine is a contract Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies for the Royal Academy of Dance.
    Geraldine Grace Johns
    Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Keep your knees in alignment with your first two toes, your back straight, and your tummy lifted. Think of your waist as a bucket of water—you want to keep everything perfectly straight.
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  • Question
    When I Demi plie in second position, should my knees go over my toes?
    Community Answer
    I believe your knees should stay in line with your toes, but not go over until you are in a grand plie, if at all.
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  • Question
    How can I do a grand plie in 4th position?
    Community Answer
    In fourth, it is the same principle as in every other position. Keep your torso in between your two legs, do not lean forward or backwards, and make sure you are positioned correctly.
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      Tips

      • In every position, divide your weight between both feet evenly so you don't topple over in the plié.
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      Warnings

      • Turn-out from your legs at the hip joints. Don't force your knees and ankles to bend at uncomfortable angles because it will lead to injury.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/art/plie
      2. ↑ https://northlandschoolofdance.com/g-is-for-grand-plie-dance-terminology-a-z/
      3. ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      4. ↑ Geraldine Grace Johns. Professional Ballerina & Ballet Instructor. Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.
      5. ↑ https://northlandschoolofdance.com/g-is-for-grand-plie-dance-terminology-a-z/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=109&v=NcmkLYmkUzM&feature=youtu.be
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=48&v=q7bddKp4KHU&feature=youtu.be
      8. ↑ http://www.bu.edu/nmrc/files/2011/02/060.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.pointemagazine.com/exercises-for-a-deeper-plie-2620879216.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      In ballet, there are 2 different types of plié, the demi-plié and the grand-plié. To do a demi-plié, start in 1st position with your heels touching and your legs straight and turned out as close to 180 degrees as you can manage. Then, bend your knees a little until they line up with your toes while keeping your feet flat on the floor. Rise slowly by pushing with your legs and feet, and return to 1st position. Doing a grand-plié is much the same as a demi-plié, except that you should bend your legs as far as you can until your thighs are nearly horizontal and your knees are almost fully bent. For more tips, including how to keep your balance while practicing pliés , read on!

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