What You'll Learn
- Correct technique for squeezing the inner thighs during échappé battu
- How to execute crisp soubresaut actions using the barre for support
- The specific rhythm and footwork for complex beat combinations
- Tips for maintaining speed and musicality in petite and grande allegro
- Proper breathing techniques and pacing during high-intensity jump sequences
About This Video
Welcome to this high-energy focused session at Broche Ballet, where we dive deep into the mechanics of petite and grande allegro. In this 15-minute technique class, our primary focus is the mastery of the échappé battu—a fundamental but challenging movement that adds brilliance and texture to your jumping vocabulary. The session begins by breaking down the rhythm and muscle engagement required for successful batterie.
You will learn the importance of the 'squeeze' before the feet move out into the échappé. This engagement of the inner thighs is crucial for creating the clear, audible beat that defines intermediate and advanced ballet technique. We explore the intricate sequence of beats: beat and out, beat and close, beat and in.
By slowing down these combinations, you can ensure that every landing is controlled through a deep plié and every jump reaches its maximum height. We also utilize the barre to refine our soubresaut. By using the barre for light support, dancers can focus purely on the articulation of the feet and the power of the push-off.
Pointing the toes the moment they leave the floor is essential for that light, airy quality seen in professional allegro. The class also incorporates changement with beats, pushing your coordination and stamina to the next level. At Broche Ballet, we believe that technique is the foundation of artistic freedom.
While this class emphasizes the technical how-to—from the correct sequence of footwork to the musicality of the beats—we never lose sight of the performance. The instructor provides constant feedback on how to maintain speed while keeping the movements crisp. Remember to take strategic breaks and focus on your breath; jumping is as much about cardiovascular endurance as it is about strength.
Whether you are practicing in a home studio or a professional space, this session offers the tools to make your jumps more powerful, precise, and expressive.