| Structure of ballet class |
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A ballet class is divided into four sections. The class begins with slow, controlled exercises and gradually builds up to faster movements which need more energy. Starting with slow movements means that the dancer’s body is properly warmed up, which helps to prevent injuries. The four sections of the class are: Barre A long wooden pole is attached to the wall or freestanding barres are used. The dancers use this for support. They stand sideways to the barre and exercise one side of their body, then turn around and repeat the exercise to work the other side of their body. • Plié – Soft bending (folding) of the knees • Battement Tendu – A stretching exercise • Rond de jamb a terre – A circling action of the leg • Battement en cloche – Swinging the leg (like a bell swinging) Centre Practice After the barre, the dancer moves into the centre of the dance studio. The exercises here are similar to the ones they have just practised but without the barre's support. They also practise turns, or ‘pirouettes’. • Port de bras – Graceful carriage of the arms • Grand battement – A throwing action of the leg Adage Slow, sustained movements which make the dancer think about the lines they are creating with their body and test the dancer’s balance. • Arabesque – A still pose • Developpé – An unfolding action Allegro The allegro section introduces jumps. These jumps fall into three categories: small jumps – petit allegro, medium jumps – middle allegro and large jumps – grand allegro. Petit allegro: • Sauté – A jump from two feet to two feet • Petit Assemblé – A jump from one foot to two feet joining the feet together Grand allegro: • Grand jeté – A large leap (throwing action) from one foot to the other The class ends with a reverence. This is a special bow or curtsey which is to say thank you to the teacher and musician. Take a closer look at ballet terms in the ballet glossary. |
