What You'll Learn
- How to use plié and relevé to build explosive power and vertical lift.
- Essential alignment tips for second position to maintain balance and core stability.
- Techniques to strengthen the 'last mile' of the foot for increased hang time.
- Dynamic toe-tap exercises to add sparkle and precision to your jumps.
- Progression strategies to transition from slow technique to fast petit allegro.
About This Video
Elevate your dance practice with our specialized class, Building to Jumps: Conditioning Exercises for Jumping. At Broche Ballet, we understand that achieving high, light, and graceful jumps—what we call ballon—requires more than just effort; it requires a deep understanding of the mechanics of the feet and the power of the plié. This video class is designed to help you bridge the gap between simple floor work and dynamic allegro movements by focusing on the specific conditioning needed to launch and land safely and with style.
We begin with a series of plié and relevé exercises, which serve as the engine for every jump. You will learn how to compress the body correctly as you rise, ensuring you are engaging the correct muscle groups for maximum power. The instructor emphasizes the importance of the upper body, teaching you how to maintain a stable core so that your jumps look effortless rather than strained. Proper alignment is the foundation of all ballet technique, and it is especially critical when preparing for the impact and lift of jumping.
As we move into second position movements, the focus shifts to alignment and stability. Keeping the chest down and the belly button pulled up is essential for maintaining balance mid-air. You will also practice leaning back slightly as you rise to find your center of gravity, a critical skill for preventing forward-toppling during petit allegro.
One of the most valuable portions of this class is the focus on foot strength. To give your jumps that professional sparkle and increase your hang time, you must master the articulation of the toes. We work through simulated tendu movements that focus on the last mile of the foot—the final push off the floor. By strengthening the demi-pointe and focusing on quick toe taps, you build the explosive power necessary for high-level jumping. Whether you are working on a simple sauté or a complex glissade, these principles will improve your technique and control.
