What You'll Learn
- Technical breakdown of the joyful footwork specific to the Peasant Pas de Deux.
- Stylistic cues for Romantic-era ballet, including proper épaulement and port de bras.
- Methods to improve ballon and height in petit allegro jumps through functional plié.
- Musical phrasing strategies to match the spirited tempo of Adolphe Adam's score.
About This Video
The Peasant Pas de Deux from the first act of the ballet Giselle is one of the most celebrated and technically demanding excerpts in the classical repertoire. Set to the spirited and rhythmic music composed by Adolphe Adam, this variation requires a unique blend of joyful artistry and exacting precision. At Broche Ballet, we believe that studying these historical variations provides a vital bridge between standard classroom technique and the nuance of stage performance.
In this session featuring Nadia Ghani, we explore the stylistic details that make the Peasant Pas de Deux a staple of Romantic-era ballet. Unlike the ethereal, tragic movements found in the second act, the Peasant variations are grounded, bouncy, and full of life. This requires the dancer to master the art of the petit allegro, ensuring every assemblé and sissonne is executed with crisp clarity while maintaining a light, effortless demeanor.
Focusing on this excerpt allows dancers to work specifically on their ballon—the quality of appearing weightless during jumps and resilient during landings. You will learn to coordinate your épaulement—the subtle positioning of the head, neck, and shoulders—with your lower body work to create a cohesive, professional silhouette. We delve into the specific rhythms of Adam's score, teaching you how to use a deep, functional plié as a springboard for dynamic jumps and stable relevé work.
Whether you are preparing for a performance or simply wish to challenge your technical boundaries in your home studio, this guide provides the professional insights needed to elevate your practice. From the sharpest tendu to the final celebratory pose, Broche Ballet is dedicated to helping you find grace and strength through the study of classical repertoire.
