What You'll Learn
- The 'staying down' technique to maintain fluidity between petite allegro steps.
- How to execute a shared plié between a glissade and an assemblé.
- Proper brush and closing mechanics for clean footwork at the barre.
- Coordination of the back-to-front movement during the assemblé.
- Timing and preparation for relevé and future jumps.
About This Video
Welcome to the inaugural session of the Broche Ballet Beginner Jump Series. While the name suggests taking flight, this foundational class focuses on the essential mechanics that make beautiful jumps possible—without actually leaving the floor just yet. Success in petite allegro starts with precision at the barre, and in this 29-minute session, we break down the complex coordination required for two of ballet's most fundamental steps: the glissade and the assemblé.
The core focus of this class is the concept of 'staying down.' Many beginners struggle with choppy movements by standing up between steps. Our instructor guides you through the process of sharing a single, fluid plié between a glissade and an assemblé. By maintaining a deep, consistent plié during the transition, you eliminate unnecessary vertical motion and develop the power needed for future explosive movements. You will practice the brush of the foot, the precise timing of the relevé, and the clean closing into sous-sus.
Working at the barre allows you to isolate the movement of the legs and feet without the worry of balance, ensuring your technique is perfect before moving to the center. We specifically look at how the back foot travels to the front during the assemblé and how to show a beautiful, held position in the air—even while grounded. This class is an essential stepping stone for any dancer looking to improve their speed and articulation in footwork. By building this muscle memory now, you ensure that your jumps in later classes are safe, rhythmic, and aesthetically pleasing. Join us at Broche Ballet as we lay the groundwork for your jumping journey.
