What You'll Learn
- Mastering the squeeze in the air for cleaner soubresauts
- Correcting the brush and 'assemble' technique for a crisp assemblé
- Improving weight placement for more powerful and centered sissonnes
- Coordinating glissades into jumps for seamless, fluid transitions
- Building stamina and speed through progressive petite allegro drills
About This Video
Petite allegro is the heart of ballet's agility and spark. In this specialized practice session from Broche Ballet, we dive deep into a challenging combination featuring sissonne, soubresaut, glissade, and assemblé. This class isn't just about doing the steps; it's about mastering the "air time" and precision required to make these small jumps look effortless yet powerful. Many dancers struggle with the speed of these movements, but by breaking down the mechanics, we can find clarity even in the fastest tempos.
One of the primary focuses of this tutorial is the soubresaut. Often misunderstood as just a simple jump in fifth position, the soubresaut requires an intense squeeze of the legs while in the air to create a clean silhouette. Similarly, we explore the sissonne, emphasizing the need to keep the body centered over the supporting leg to generate maximum power for the push-off. When the weight is misplaced, the jump loses its verticality and brilliance. Your instructor will guide you through corrections that help you find your center and maintain it throughout the sequence.
We also break down the mechanics of the assemblé. To execute a perfect assemblé, the working leg must brush through the floor with energy, meeting the other leg at the peak of the jump. This "assembling" in the air is what gives the step its name and its characteristic crispness. Throughout the video, you will receive guidance on how to use your plié effectively—not just as a landing, but as a spring-loaded preparation for the next movement. The instructor provides real-time feedback on maintaining a strong core and precise footwork.
Precision in the air positions is the hallmark of an advanced dancer. By focusing on where your legs are at the highest point of the jump, you develop the muscle memory needed for faster tempos. This class moves through the combination at various speeds, allowing you to build coordination and stamina. Whether you are looking to sharpen your footwork or find more height in your jumps, this Broche Ballet session provides the technical foundation you need to excel in any petite allegro sequence.
