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Tendu: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

Welcome to the foundation of ballet! The tendu, also known as battement tendu, is a beginner-friendly move where you slide your foot out along the floor until only your toes touch. You will see this fundamental step in almost every ballet-inspired fitness routine. It helps you build strength and control in your legs and ankles, setting you up for more complex footwork later on.

Step card

Count
often over 2 counts (out, in)
Level
Beginner
Found in
Ballet
In short
Sliding the foot out along the floor until only the toes touch

How to do it

  1. Start in a basic ballet position with your heels together and toes pointing outward.
  2. On count 1, slowly slide your working foot out across the floor.
  3. Keep your entire foot in contact with the ground for as long as possible.
  4. Finish count 1 with your leg fully extended and only the tip of your toes touching the floor.
  5. On count 2, slide your foot back into your starting position.
  6. Keep your leg straight and your core engaged the entire time.

Tips

  • Keep your knees straight but not locked to maintain a beautiful long line.
  • Imagine pushing a heavy coin across the floor with your toes to create resistance.
  • Keep your hips completely still while your leg does all the moving.

Common mistakes

  • Lifting the foot. Make sure your foot brushes the floor continuously instead of picking it up.
  • Bending the knee. Focus on keeping your working leg perfectly straight as you slide it out and in.
  • Shifting your weight. Keep your body weight centered over your standing leg rather than leaning into the movement.

Variations and practice

  • Tendu front, side, and back: Practice sliding your foot in different directions to work different muscle groups.
  • Tendu with a plié: Add a slight knee bend on your standing leg as you slide your working foot out.
  • Speed changes: Try doing tendus at different tempos to challenge your coordination.

Related steps

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.