What You'll Learn
- Master the mechanics of entrechat quatre and its relationship to soubresaut.
- Refine the timing and weight transfer between glissade and sissonne.
- Develop coordination through practice at slow, medium, and fast tempos.
- Learn mental strategies for maintaining control during high-speed jumps.
About This Video
Petite allegro is one of the most exhilarating yet challenging segments of a ballet class. It requires a unique blend of lightning-fast footwork, precise coordination, and rhythmic accuracy. In this Broche Ballet tutorial, we dive deep into a dynamic petite allegro combination that incorporates several fundamental jumps: glissade, sissonne, entrechat quatre, and changement.
The lesson begins with a focused breakdown of the entrechat quatre. Our instructor explains the mechanics of this beaten jump, emphasizing its relationship to the soubresaut. Unlike a changement, an entrechat quatre requires the dancer to beat the legs and return to the original position.
You will learn the mental cue of thinking 'up' in the back and 'close' in the front to ensure a clean, crisp beat every time. Transitioning between steps is where the real artistry happens. We explore the glissade, focusing on the 'brush' of the floor and the distinct 'boom' sound of the landing, followed by a quiet, springy takeoff into the sissonne.
This combination challenges your ability to shift weight quickly while maintaining a lifted upper body and a strong core. A core component of this class is the progression through three distinct tempos: slow, medium, and fast. Practicing at a slow speed allows you to perfect the placement of your feet and the depth of your plié.
As the tempo increases to medium and eventually fast, you will learn how to build momentum and 'think ahead' of the music. The secret to successful petite allegro isn't just moving faster; it is thinking faster. By preparing the next movement while still in the air of the current jump, you maintain the coordination necessary for advanced ballet choreography.
Whether you are practicing in a home studio or a professional dance space, this video provides the tools to sharpen your allegro technique and improve your overall musicality.
