Ballet Jump Series Class 8: Back Placement and Sissone Practice

Welcome to the grand finale of our Beginner Jump Series at Broche Ballet. In Class #8, we focus on the essential technical elements that transform a simple hop into a professional-looking jump: back placement and the mechanics of the sissone. Many adult dancers struggle with stability in the air, often because the upper body is not properly engaged. This lesson breaks down how the shoulders and back provide the necessary frame to support your elevation and ensure a controlled, graceful landing. We explore the concept of 'going down to get up,' emphasizing the depth of the plié and the importance of keeping your weight correctly positioned over the balls of the feet to generate maximum spring.

Throughout this 22-minute session, we revisit fundamental allegro steps including the changement de pied and glissade, integrating them into more complex patterns. A significant portion of the class is dedicated to the assemblé, focusing on the brush of the leg and the crisp closing into fifth position. We then transition into the sissone, a beautiful jump that travels from two feet to one. You will learn how to coordinate your arms with your leg movements while maintaining a strong, stable core.

Safety is paramount in our training. As this is a high-impact session, we recommend practicing on professional dance flooring. If you are practicing on wood at home, consider wearing jazz sneakers to reduce impact on your joints, and avoid hard surfaces like tile or concrete. By the end of this class, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use your entire body to achieve height and precision in your jumps. Join us as we take your ballet technique to new heights with this final installment of our foundational jump series.