During grand battement, what is essential to protect the knee?

• A. Keep the knee slightly bent throughout the movement.
• B. Turnout from the hip, keep supporting leg straight, point the toe, avoid collapsing.
• C. Keep the working leg in parallel and bent.
• D. Allow the knee to collapse inward.

Answer: (B)

Protecting the knee in grand battement comes from creating a stable, aligned line from the hip outward. Turnout from the hip ensures the leg extends along a safe, supported path rather than twisting at the knee. Keeping the supporting leg straight provides a solid base and prevents the pelvis from tipping or wiggling. Pointing the working toe helps maintain length and control, guiding the leg to full extension without collapsing. By avoiding any inward collapse of the knee, you keep the knee tracking over the toes, reducing strain on the ligaments and joints as the leg rises and lowers. The other ideas don’t offer this safe alignment: a knee that stays slightly bent throughout can shorten the line and reduce control; a working leg kept parallel and bent contradicts the required turnout and length; and letting the knee collapse inward creates dangerous torque on the knee.