What You'll Learn
- Essential landing mechanics using demi-pointe and plié to protect joints.
- Alignment techniques for the upper back and hips to maintain stability in the air.
- Strengthening drills to build the leg power and stamina required for petite allegro.
- How to maintain proper turnout and knee alignment during high-impact movements.
- Safety protocols for jumping at home, including flooring and footwear recommendations.
About This Video
Welcome to your essential introduction to petite allegro. Jumping is one of the most exhilarating parts of ballet, but it requires a solid foundation to ensure longevity and prevent injury. In this Broche Ballet class, we break down the mechanics of the "little brisk" movements, focusing on the essential techniques that every beginner dancer needs to master before moving to more complex combinations. Our curriculum prioritizes your physical health, ensuring you can enjoy the lift and light of jumping for years to come.
Safety is our top priority. As noted in the lesson, jumping should not be performed on ceramic tile or concrete floors to avoid unnecessary stress on the joints. We emphasize the specific mechanics of the landing. A proper landing is a quiet landing. You will learn to roll through the feet, hitting demi-pointe first before lowering into a deep, controlled plié. We discuss the importance of keeping the knees tracking directly over the toes and maintaining a neutral hip position to absorb the impact effectively without jarring the spine.
Control comes from the core and the upper back. Many beginners struggle with instability or "wobbling" while in the air. We teach you how to engage your lats and keep your shoulders back, providing a stable frame for your legs to work underneath. By keeping your hips forward and your back active, you create the necessary tension to spring off the floor with power and grace. We also explore the importance of turnout in jumps, ensuring your legs remain rotated from the hip throughout the movement.
Building stamina is a gradual process. This class includes repetitive drills designed to strengthen the calves, quadriceps, and glutes. We treat the push-off like a relevé with extra power, ensuring the back of the leg stays active—much like the engagement required in a passé position. Whether you are practicing at home on wood floors or in a professional studio, these foundational exercises will give you the confidence to soar.
