What is developpé and what is the general progression to achieve it safely?

• A. Developpé is lifting the leg from retiré/passé to an extended position; progress with control and proper turnout, starting from a supported position.
• B. Developpé is a leap with a high kick; progress by running.
• C. Developpé is a foot slide on the floor.
• D. Developpé is a shoulder shrug.

Answer: (A)

Developpé is the movement of lifting the working leg from retiré or passé up to a fully extended position with the knee unfolding and the foot pointed. To do it safely, start with the leg in retiré or passé at the barre, using turnout from the hip, keeping the pelvis level and the spine long. Move the leg slowly through a controlled path, engaging the core and stabilizing the supporting leg, until the leg reaches full extension with clean line. As you gain strength and control, gradually reduce dependence on the barre and practice with less support while maintaining the same alignment and turnout. The other descriptions describe a leap, a floor slide, or a shoulder movement, which do not reflect the mechanics of developpé.