Intermediate Petite Allegro: Mastering the Entrechat Quatre

Welcome back to the second installment of our intermediate petite allegro series at Broche Ballet. In this class, we dive deep into the mechanics of one of the most exciting and challenging steps in the ballet vocabulary: the entrechat quatre. While it may seem daunting at first, mastering this beaten jump is a milestone for any intermediate dancer, offering that elusive feeling of 'flying' across the studio floor.

We begin by breaking down the foundational movements that make up a successful entrechat quatre. Many dancers confuse the mechanics of beaten jumps, but our instructor provides clear, detailed explanations to help you distinguish between a soubresaut, a changement, and the entrechat quatre itself. You will learn how the soubresaut (a jump where the legs squeeze together in the air) and the changement (where the feet change positions) serve as the building blocks for more complex batteries.

' An entrechat quatre requires the dancer to jump from fifth position, beat the legs in the air, and return to the original starting position. Our instructor emphasizes the importance of a strong relevé and a deep, cushioned plié to find the power needed for elevation. We practice these components through repetition, starting with slow, controlled movements before increasing the tempo.

' Petite allegro demands quick footwork and precise timing. Throughout this tutorial, you are encouraged to embrace the learning process. It is normal to feel a bit frustrated when first attempting to coordinate the change of legs in mid-air, but with patience and focused practice, the movement becomes fluid and dynamic.

By the end of this session, you will have the tools to perform the entrechat quatre with confidence, improving your overall dance skills and technical precision.