What You'll Learn
- Safe landing mechanics to protect knees and joints
- How to use your toes to push off the floor effectively
- Engaging the upper back and core for mid-air stability
- Maintaining proper turnout and alignment during jumps
- Building the stamina required for petite allegro
About This Video
Welcome to Broche Ballet’s introductory guide to petite allegro. Jumping is one of the most exhilarating parts of a ballet class, but it requires a solid foundation of technique to ensure safety and longevity. In this 9-minute practice session, we focus on the mechanics of beginner ballet jumps, specifically designed for dancers who are new to leaving the floor.
The core of a successful jump starts before you even leave the ground. We emphasize the importance of a deep, controlled demi-plié. A proper plié acts as your spring, providing the power necessary for elevation.
As you ascend, you will learn how to use your feet—specifically pushing through the toes—to create a sharp, clean movement. We also discuss the role of the relevé in preparing the calves and ankles for the impact of jumping. Safety is our top priority at Broche Ballet.
Jumping is a high-impact activity, so understanding proper landing technique is essential. You will learn how to land through the feet—toe, ball, then heel—and back into a demi-plié with your knees tracking directly over your toes. This alignment prevents common injuries like knee sprains or ankle strains.
We also address body alignment, focusing on keeping the shoulders back, the hips forward, and the upper back engaged to maintain stability throughout the petite allegro sequence. Beyond the physical mechanics, this class helps you build the stamina and strength required for more complex allegro work. We explore how to engage the back of the leg, similar to the engagement found in a passé, to ensure every jump is active and controlled.
Note that for your safety, we recommend practicing on a sprung wood floor or a professional dance surface. Avoid jumping on ceramic tile or concrete. If you are on wood, consider wearing jazz sneakers to further lower the impact.
Join us and start your journey toward light, airy, and safe ballet jumps.
