Levels

Floor
barre/conditioning

Focus & emphasis

Barre

Center

Pre-Ballet
1x week
30-45 min
ages >8

Sit in circle. Basic

stretching:
hamstrings and
butterfly. Stretching
quads while laying
on stomach. Pointe
and flex feet. Up and
down
movement/dynamic
stretching.

Using a lot of
imagery and
games (still with
musicality), it is
important that
these baby
ballerinas have a
great first
exposure to ballet.
Focus on spatial
awareness,
working as a
group.
First and Second
positions with the
feet.
Arm positions 1-5.
Pli, posse, and
echapp saut.
Emphasize proper
posture,
musicality & sense
of timing.
Establish a high
demi pointe and
use of pli.
Exercises should
be preparatory for
ballet walks and
proper carriage of
the body as well.
Even though they
are young, it is
imperative that
they learn to spot
and coordinate
their arms and
head (establishing
a solid foundation
from the
beginning)

1 and 6th
positions
with feet.
Low first and
fifth arms
preparations
. Both hands
on the barre.
Pointe and
close in 6th
position.
Plis.

Ballet princess
walks across the
floor to a 6/8
adagio.
Marching.
Jumps progression:
2-2 feet
Petite allegro:
Skipping,
Polka steps to a
simple polka.
Mezzo allegro:
Bunny hops en
mnage.
chasss.
Grand allegro:
grand
Hops on the
diagnol. End with
freeze dance to
introduce
musicality.

1
1-2x week
60 min
ages 8-9

Run around the

room a couple times
and have them find
their place at the
barre. Side to side
reaching and
touching their toes.
Pony trots at the
barre.

Basic positions of
feet and arms.
Coordination of
arms and head
and spotting
exercises.
Preparatory
exercises for polka
and spring
pointes.
Emphasize proper
ballet posture.
Introduce artistry
and
expressiveness.
Work on special
awareness.
Begin building the
foundational
strength of the
legs and feet
needed for jumps
including

First, 6th and

second
positions
with the
feet. Both
hands at the
barre. Demi
plies in 1
and 2nd.
Pointe and
close. Foot
stretching.
Battement
fondu :Pli
tendu pli
stretch

Walks across the

room to a tango.
Marching with feet.
Arm lifting and
sways.
Paddle turns
bourre turns
Jumps progression:
2-1
Petite allegro:
Sauts and
skipping.
Mezzo allegro:
Gallops to a simple
polka. chapp
sauts from 1 to 2nd
to a grand march
noble. Running on
the toes in a
mnage. Piques
with arms on hips.
Grand allegro: jets
on the diagnol

increased bone
density. Get the
dancers moving!
Establish the
coordination of
the arms and head
for fluid port de
bras.
3
2-3x week
75 min
ages 10-11

4
3x week
75-90 min
ages 11-12

Pre-class: short
cardio warm up and
light stretching.
Emphasize warming
up the ankles
without a
theraband.
Post-class:
introduce more
intense stretching
(quadriceps, hips,
hamstrings)

Theraband work for

the feet
Pre-class: pilaties
for the core
Post-class: cool
down stretching.

Introduction of
pirouettes. Third
arabesque.
Preparation for
sauts and petite
allegro.
Preparatory
exercise for pas de
chat.
Emphasize proper
body alignment.
Incorporate
artistry and
expressiveness.
Begin to focus on
musicality & sense
of timing.
To establish a
retir that has a
clean and clear
pathway from fifth
and remains
attached to the
standing leg at all
times in
preparation for
fifth position
pirouettes and
even dvelopps
and envelopes.
Drill pas de
bourre in each
distinct part of the
step to form the
muscle memory of
a correct pas de
bourre (do with
other steps as
well). At this level,
it is important that
they are gaining a
clear and precise
technique.
Pre-pointe
introduction. First
and third
arabesques.
Introduce tour en
l'air. Work on
traveling across
and around the
room. Spatial
awareness.
Incorporate
artistry and
expressiveness.
Introduce the
importance of

Improvisation with
contrasting pieces
of music. Curtsey/
bow at the close of
the class.

Demi-plis in
1st, 2nd &
3rd
positions.
Battements
tendus to
4th devant
and la
seconde
Battement
fondu:
Fondu
straight,
relev
Grand
battements.
Retirs.
Adage

Demi-plis
and rises in
2nd, 1st and
5th
positions.
Battements
tendus.
Battements
dgags and
piqus from 1st
position
Battements
frappes:
introducing

Port de bras. Set

exercise for third
arabesque adagio.
Set exercise for use
of head in
pirouettes.
Progression of
pirouettes:
full single turns
Souteneues
entornant
Glissade
entournant
Jumps progression1 to other
Petite allegro:
Petits jets devant
and derrire, with
temps lev . Simple
polka, sideways
and forwards
and/or turning.
Gallops and
coups.
Mezzo allegro:
Changements and
chapps sauts
from 3rd.
Grande Allegro:
Grande jets and
pas de chat on the
diagnol.
Improvisation with
contrasting pieces
of music.
Curtsey/Bow at the
close of class.

Port de bras. Set

exercise
incorporating 1st
and 3rd
arabesques.
Relev with
bourre.
Progression of
pirouettes:
turns from 2nd and
4th positions
Attitude and
arabesque
promenade.
1-2 dtourn

5
4x week
90 min
ages 12-13

Theraputic barre
pre-class. Thorough
cool
down/stretching
post class.

quality of
movement.
To build the
necessary
strength needed
for pointe work
especially in the
ankles. Fire the
rotators and
hamstrings;
establish clear
positions of the
legs. Spring
relevs aid in
preparation for
tour chans
dtourn and
petite allegro.
Focus on the
action of the head
to develop a
proper
paulement.

ankle
movement
to a Rag or
Mazurka.
petite
battements.
Ronde de
Jambes
terre.
Grands
battements
a) 4th
devant and
la seconde
b) 4th
derrire.
Rond de
jambe
exercise.
Battement
fondu:
Fondu
straight,
relev
Adage. Many
Relevs

1, 2, and 3
arabesque.
Pirouette en
dehors.
Preparation for
sissonnes.
Preparation for
beats.
Incorporate
artistry and
expressiveness.
Focus on
musicality &
quality of
movement.
Strengthening the
muscles and feet
for pointe work.
Emphasize the
proper and
distinct accents of
the working leg.
Prepare for ronde
de jambe fouett
turns and to build
endurance
musculature in the
legsespecially
the deep glutes,
hamstrings, and
rotators
(particularly with
the whipping
action). Rotation
of the leg in the
hip socket.
Prepare them for
extensive adagio
work in variations,
pas de deuxs, etc.

Demi and
grand pli in
2nd and 1st;
demi-plis in
5th devant;
and rise.
Battements
tendus with
demi-pli.
Battements
dgags
closing in
1st and 5th
position.
Battements
frappes and
introduce
Petit
Battement
Serr
Ronde de
Jambes
focusing on
doubles.
Ronds de
jambe en
Iair.
Introduce
reverse.
Hand and
foot stretch.
Grands
battements
with retirs
to a
polonaise.
Ronds de
jambe
terre.
Repeat en

1-2 soutenu
Jumps progression1 to other
Petite allegro:
Exercise for tour en
l'air.
Echapp saut,
temps lev, spring
1st.
Mezzo allegro:
Pas de chat. Saut
de chat. Balletic
polka, forwards and
sideways. Jet
temps lev.
Balancs. Bris
dessus. Diagonal or
round the room as
a mnage:
Grand Allegro:
Chass in
arabesque, with
temps lev
Improvisation with
contrasting pieces
of music.
Curtsey/Bow at the
close of class.
Port de bras.
Set exercise with
1,2, 3 arabesque.
Progression of
pirouettes: Doubles
Pirouette en
dehors.
fifth position
pirouettes (drill to
mazurka)
pique turns- en
dehors and en
dedans
Grand pirouettes:
4/4 adagio
Attitude derrire
Arabesque en
dedans
la seconde en
dedans, en dehors
to a chardish lissue
Attitude devant en
dedans, en dehors
Devant en dedans,
en dehors
Tour Chans
dtourn (to a lyric
waltz)
Jumps progression
1-same
Petite allegro:
Changements with
chapps sauts.
Pas de bourre
dessous.
Assembls
soutenu. Balancs
with poss coups (girls)
Briss dessus,

6
4x week
90 minutes
ages 13-14

Theraputic barre.
Thorough cool
down/stretching
post class.

Rotation of the
knee joint and
flexibility. Control
and use of the
lower leg, proper
rotation of the
calf.

relev
Battement
fondu en
relev
double
battements
frapps with
petite
battement
(en relev)
to simple
polka
(change of
accent) or a
mazurka.
Adage to a
4/4.

Moving away from

the barre to
establish solid
core and standing
leg. 5th
arabesque.
Continuing to
strengthen feet
for pointe work.
Focus on artistry,
presentation and
clear performance.
Build the different
and distinct
musculature for
accent out and the
accent in. Shape
and sculpt the legs
and fire the fast
twitch as well as
slow twitch
muscles. Focus on
dynamic and
attention to
musicality.

Demi-plis
and grand
pli in 2nd,
1st and 5th
devant, port
de bras and
rise.
Battements
tendus with
accent
Battements
dgags.
Retir to a
simple
polka.
Grands
battements
with retirs
to a chardish
friska or
polonaise.
Renvers
Ronds de
jambe
terre double
battements
frapps with
petite
battement
(en relev)
to simple
polka
(change of
accent) or a
mazurka.
Double

dessous,
Diagonal or round
the room as a
mnage: Mezzo
allegro:
temps levs in
attitude devant,
with gallops and
assembl en avant
or devant. Bris
dessus, dessous,
en avant and en
arrire.
Grande allegro:
Preparatory
exercise for tour
jets.
Improvisation with
contrasting pieces
of music.
Pointe work for 30
minutes at the end
of class: warm up
at the barre,.
Changements to a
rag. chapp
(tarantella) relev
to a chardish
friszka passs,
bourres.
Curtsey/Bow at the
close of class.
Port de bras.
Set adagio exercise
incorporating 5th
arabesque and
renvers Repeat en
relev Pirouette en
dedans to Spanish
waltz.
Multiple pirouettes.
Grand Pirouettes:
Arabesque en
dehors
Pique turns at 90
degrees
Ronde de jambe
fouettes and adarie
to a coda.
Jumps progression:
2-1
Petite allegro:
Changements
Glissades, taken
devant and
derrire, with
assembl and
relev in 5th
Mezzo allegro:
Temps lev chass
pas de bourre and
sissonnes .
Chass temps lev
in arabesque with
change of direction
and poss coups.
Grand allegro:
Diagonal or round

frapps
with pique.
Adagio.
Move
slightly
away from
barre:
Echapp
relev,
soussus,
with relevs
passs

7
4-5x week
90 minutes
ages 14-15

45-60 minute
pilaties conditioning
pre-class. Thorough
cool
down/stretching
post class.

Clear and precise

technique.
Advanced artistry,
performance and
movement quality.
Practice using pli
correctly and
proper weight
distribution in
preparation for
jumps and grand
pirouettes.
Encourage
traveling and
utilizing all the
space. This level is
pinnacle
conditioning/traini
ng period.
Introduce and
work variations en
pointe.

Grand pli
with full port
de bras, and
rise, in 2nd,
1st, 5th
devant and
5th derrire
positions
Battements
tendus with
demi-pli
and transfer
of weight
performed
to a Gavotte.
Battements
dgags.
retirs to a
simple
polka.
Double
petite
battements.
Hand and
foot stretch
to a grand
waltz.
Grands
battements,
with
battements
balancs to
a polonaise.
Ronds de
jambe
terre to a
tango.
Battements
frapps en
croix on a
fondu, and
double
battements
frapps to

the room as a
mnage: chass
temps lev,
balanc turning
with travelling pas
de basques
Diagonal: Petite
tours with chasse
(grand march
noble) temps lev
.Soubresaut and
chapp with beat,
entrechat quatre.
tour jets.
Improvisation with
contrasting pieces
of music.
Pointe work 30-45
minutes after
technique- adding
in pique and en
dehors turns.
Curtsey/Bow at the
close of class.
Port de Bras to a
gavotte.
Set Adagio to a 4/4
adagio. Repeat en
relev
Pirouettes:
Battements tendus,
demi-rond de
jambe to a gavotte,
and a pirouette en
dehors.
Grand pirouettes
saute (accent)
Arabesque turns
into a la seconde
into pirouette
Petite allegro:
Changements and
chapps, with
small and large
elevation
Pas de bourre en
avant and en
arrire
Mezzo allegro:
Glissade, jet
Sissonne
enchanement to a
lndler
Travelling pas de
basque with grand
jet en tournant
Diagonal: Petit pas
de basque en
tournant en dedans
with gallops (girls)
to a 6/8 waltz
Chass, coup,
chass, coup en
tournant (boys)
Diagonal: Chass,
temps lev,
balanc en
tournant, with pos

2nd
Petits
battements
with accent
(repeat en
relev)
Dvelopp
grand rond
de jambe,
and dgag
en tournant
Move
slightly
away from
the barre:
Echapps
and relevs
pass with
pas de
bourre
couru

tours or petite
tours.
Grand allegro en
mnage to a coda.
Echapp saut
closing with
entrechat trois.
Improvisation with
contrasting pieces
of music.
45-60 pointe work
adding in fondus
and grand
battements and
adagio en pointe.
Curtsey/Bow at the
close of class.

8
5x week
120
minutes
ages 15-16

45-60 minute
pilaties conditioning
pre-class. Cool
down/stretching
post class.

Preparation for
professional
dance. Mastery of
technique,
musicality,
placement, use of
the feet in pointe
shoes. Transitional
steps,
performance, style
(nuance) and
uniqueness. Class
en pointe in the
center at least 3
times a week.
Build strength and
endurance of the
inner thighs and
standing leg. Prep
for major
variations and
pieces requiring
lots of stamina.
Strengthen the
hamstrings and
dynamic core,
especially the
psoas.

Warm-up
exercise
Plis and
port de bras
Battements
tendus and
battements
dgags
Ronds de
jambe
terre to a
gavotte en
relev
Battements
frapps and
petites
battements
to a chardish
friszka
Battements
fondus.
Grand
battements
and
battements
balances to
a 6/8 waltz

Port de bras.
Battements tendus
including
pirouettes.
Adage en relev
enchanement
Pirouette
enchanement.
Petite allegro.
3 Enchanement
combinations
Mezzo allegro
including
Batterie
Relevs (girls)
grand allegro:
Tombe coupe jets
en mnage.
Classical solo/rep.
Curtsey/Bow at the
close of class.

2
2x week
60-75 min
ages 9-10

Pre class: Run

around the room a
couple times and
have them find their
place at the barre/
short cardio warm
up and light
stretching.
Post-class:
introduce more
intense stretching.

Familiarize all 5
feet and arms
positions.
Arabesque. Spring
pointes and spring
heels.
Preparations for
dgags and
piques. Focus on
good ballet
posture.
Incorporate
artistry and
expressiveness.
Focus on port de
bras & spatial
awareness.

Demi plies in
1 and 2nd.
Point lift
step.
Battements
tendus,
devant and
la seconde.
Retirs.
Arabesque
positions.
Petite jets,
devant and
derrire.

Battements tendus,
devant and la
seconde.
Progression of
pirouettes:
Quarter and half
turns
1) turns with
keeping
shape up
Jumps progression:
2-1 and 1- other
Petite allegro:
Sauts
Mezzo allegro:
Chass la
seconde. Run and

Prepare dancers
for tendus with
pli that trains
them for petite
allegro (further,
mezzo and grand
as well).
Strengthen the
intrinsic muscles
and begins to
shape and define
he musculature of
the leg. Also teach
them to use their
pli and the floor
for the maximum
power.

step into
arabesque. Fifth
position arms.
Polka sideways.
Gallops forward
and sideways.
Running and
poising on the toes
en mnage.
Grand allegro:
grand
Jets on the
diagnol
Improvisation with
contrasting pieces
of music.
Curtsey/Bow at the
close of class.

*All stretching exercises are done in several 20-30 second intervals

*Imagery is used most heavily in pimary-lower levels but is used
though advanced.
* Sorry about level 2! It got separated somehow..

Kaley Johnson
Shayla Bott
Teaching Methods of Ballet
Dance 396- Summer 2014
Level Exercises
*every (3x) and (4x), etc means the total number of times executed
*arms bra bas= cechetti fifth en bas
* = repeat the same as the box directly above
*Head is erect (straight) if not specifically noted
Pre-Ballet: Center exercise
Princess walks across the room: 4/4 Gavotte
Counts
Intro
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
Ending

Movement
Beginning facing wall 8 (cecchetti)
arms bra bas, feet parallel
Pli, relev & put hands on hips
Tip toe on demi pointe stepping
with right leg, then left

Pli in parallel
Relev in parallel
Repeat counts 1-8
Pli and straight in parallel, bring
arms in bra bas

*Tell dancers to keep on their highest demi pointe and to walk like a
princess
*Keep head in line with spine. Face facing wall 8 for the whole exercise
*Keep the arms on the hips through the whole exercise (counts 1-8)
*Repeat the exercise until all the way across the floor (barre to barre)
to establish the importance of dancing beyond the wings of the stage
Purpose: To establish a high demi pointe and use of pli. This exercise
is preparatory for ballet walks and proper carriage of the body as well.

Level one: Center exercise

chapp sauts from first to second position: 4/4 Military march
Counts
Intro (7-8)
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
Ending

Movement
Facing en face
Pli in first position, hands on hips
chapp second, Ferm
first position (feet) (hands on
hips)
bring arms to bras bas on 4
Arms first, high fifth (head
following) (legs in first position)
Arms second, bras bas (legs in
first position) head following R
hand
Facing en face, first position legs
and arms in bra bas, head facing
devant

*Repeat the exercise an additional time. Keep head forward until the
port de bras section (count 5), where the head and eyes should follow
the right hand.
Purpose: To begin building the foundational strength of the legs and
feet needed for jumps including increased bone density. This exercise
also gets the dancers moving which is necessary from the primary
levels. It also establishes the coordination of the arms and head for
fluid port de bras.
Level two: Facing the barre

Tendu and pli: grand waltz

Counts
Intro
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
Ending

Movement
Facing the barre
Arms bras bas, legs in first
position. Pli arms to the barre,
head facing devant
Pli, straight
Tendu devant, ferm
first position(R leg)
Pli, straight
Tendu la seconde, ferm first
position (R leg)
Tendu devant, ferm first position
(R leg)

Tendu la seconde, ferm first

position (R leg)

Repeat counts 1-8 with the left leg

Arms in bra bas, legs in first
position, head facing devant

*Repeat the whole exercise on the L leg. Keep the head faced devant.
Tell the dancers to brush the floor with their whole foot and to push the
floor away when they straighten from the pli.
*Keep the head devant through the whole exercise
Purpose: To prepare dancers for tendus with pli which trains them for
petite allegro (further, mezzo and grand as well). Strengthens the
intrinsic muscles and begins to shape and define he musculature of the
leg. Also teaches them to use their pli and the floor for the maximum
power.
Level Three: Facing the barre
Retirs: 2/4 simple polka
Counts

Intro

Movement
Facing the barre, R leg devant fifth
position arms bra bas. Head
devant.
Pli r leg devant fifth position,

1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8 (+)
1-6

7-8
Ending

arms go to the barre

Sur le cou-de-pied devant
Conditional cou-de-pied devant
Pass through conditional cou-depied devant to retir devant
Pass through retir derrire to
conditional cou-de-pied derrire
Ferm Fifth position R leg derrire
Conditional cou-de-pied derrire
Pass through retire derrire to
Hretir devant
Retir devant to ferm fifth (Fondu
with R leg with l leg conditional
cou-de-pied derrire)
Pas de bourre dessous (3x)
alternating legs. Alternate the
head according to the weight
bearing leg (ex. Pli on right, look
quarter turn right)
Pli L leg devant fifth position.
Head devant.
Facing the barre, r leg devant fifth
position arms bra bas, Head
devant.

*Repeat entire exercise from the beginning with the left leg.
*The first two eights and end of the exercise keep the head devant.
Purpose: To establish a retir that has a clean and clear pathway from
fifth and remains attached to the standing leg at all times in
preparation for fifth position pirouettes and even dvelopps and
envelopes. The pas de bourre aid in drilling each distinct part of the
step to form the muscle memory of a correct pas de bourre.
Level Four: Facing the barre
Relevs: 4/4 Reel
Counts
Intro

Movement
Facing the barre, arms bra bas,
head devant.
Pli in first position, bring index
and middle fingers to the barre

+1-8, 1-6
+7-8
+1-8, 1-6
+7-8
+1-8, 1-5
6-8
+1-8, 1-5
6-8
Ending

Pli, spring relev first position

(7x)
Pli, tendu R leg to second
position
Pli spring relev second position
(7x)
Pli, tendu la seconde ferm to
fifth position R leg devant
Pli, spring
/`from fifth position to soussus R
leg devant (7x)
Coupe L leg derrire pli on R leg,
pas de bourre dessous ferm fifth
position L leg devant
Pli, spring relev from fifth
position to soussus L leg devant
(7x)
Coupe R leg derrire pli on L leg,
pas de bourre dessous ferm fifth
position R leg devant
Facing the barre, r leg devant fifth
position arms bra bas, Head
quarter turn over right shoulder.

*Keep head facing devant until spring relev from fifth position to
soussus. Then, turn the head a quarter turn over the devant leg
(including the pas de bourres).
Purpose: To build the necessary strength needed for pointe work
especially in the ankles. Fires the rotators and hamstrings; establishes
clear positions of the legs. Spring relevs aid in preparation for tour
chans dtourn and petite allegro. The action of the head develops a
proper paulement.
Level Five: Side to the barre
Ronds de jambe en Iair: 6/8 Lyric Waltz
Counts
Intro

Movement
Fifth position, R leg devant, both
arms off the barre. Port de bras
preparation with both arms demi
second, bras bas, first. L hand
reaches the barre, R arms to
second position. Head follows the

+1, +2+7
+8
+1, +2+7
+8
+1 hold 2,
+3 hold 4
+5, +6, +7
8
+1 hold 2,
+3 hold 4
+5, +6, +7
8
1-16
Ending

r hand.
Ronde de jambe en Iair en dehors
(7x)
Ferm fifth position R leg derrire
pli
Rond de jambe en Iair en dedans
(7x)
Ferm fifth position R leg devant
pli
Rond de jambe en Iair en dehors
en relev, sustain la seconde
Double rond de jambe en Iair en
dehors, sustain la seconde
Double rond de jambe en Iair en
dehors (3x)
Ferm R leg derrire fifth position
Rond de jambe en Iair en dedans
en relev sustain la seconde
Double rond de jambe en dedans,
sustain la seconde
Double rond de jambe en Iair en
dehors (3x)
ferm R leg derrire fifth position,
arms bras bas
Balance R leg at 45 degrees la
seconde and arms second
position, head devant
Ferm fifth position, R leg devant,
arms bra bas. Head quarter turn
over right shoulder.

All rond de jambes en Iair and sustains are performed at 90

degrees with the leg
Keep the head devant for all rond de jambes Iair
o 1) ferm fifth position R leg derrire incline head over the
right shoulder
o 2) ferm fifth position R leg devant incline head into the
right palm

*Repeat on the left side, R had on the barre. Keep head facing forward
and arm in second position throughout the whole exercise. Emphasize
the proper and distinct accents of the working leg.
Purpose: To prepare for ronde de jambe fouett turns and to build
endurance musculature in the legsespecially the deep glutes,

hamstrings, and rotators (particularly with the whipping action).

Rotation of the leg in the hip socket. Prepares them for extensive
adagio work in variations, pas de deuxs, etc. Rotation of the knee
joint and flexibility. Control and use of the lower leg, proper rotation of
the calf.
Level Six: Side to the barre
Tendu with accent change: Rag Waltz
Counts
Intro

+1+4+
5-8
+1+4+
5-8

+1+4+
5-8
+1+4+
5-8

1-16
Ending

Movement
Fifth position, R leg devant, both
arms off the barre. Port de bras
preparation with both arms demi
second, bras bas, first. L hand
reaches the barre, R arms to
second position. Head follows the
r hand.
Fifth position R leg devant, Tendu
devant accent out (4x)
ferm fifth position R leg devant,
tendu devant, ferm fifth devant
accent in (4x)
Fifth position, tendu la seconde
chang ferm fifth (4x) accent out
Fifth position, tendu la seconde
chang ferm fifth (4x) accent in
ferm fifth position R leg derrire
(on 8)
Fifth position R leg derrire, Tendu
derrire accent out (4x)
ferm fifth position R leg derrire,
tendu derrire (4x) ferm fifth
derrire
Fifth position, tendu la seconde
chang ferm fifth (4x) accent out
Fifth position, tendu la seconde
chang ferm fifth (4x) accent in
ferm fifth position R leg
devant(on 8)
Balance R leg retir devant, arms
in first position, head devant
Ferm Fifth position R leg devant,
arms bra bas, head quarter turn

over right shoulder.

Make sure to distinguish between the accent in and out

Port de bras:
o All tendus devant: head quarter turn right, R arm high fifth
o All tendus la seconde: head quarter turn to the devant
leg, R arm in second positon
o All tendus derrire: Head inclined toward pinky finger of R
arm in second arabesque.
Purpose: To build the different and distinct musculature for the
accent out and the accent in. To shape and sculpt the legs and
fire the fast twitch as well as slow twitch muscles. This exercise
also focuses on dynamic and attention to musicality.

Level Seven: Side to the barre

Tendus with weight transfer:
Counts
Intro

1-4
5-8

1-4

5-8
1-8
1-8

Movement
Fifth position, R leg devant, both
arms off the barre. Port de bras
preparation with both arms demi
second, bras bras, first. L hand
reaches the barre, R arms to
second position. Head follows the
r hand.
R leg tendu devant, demi pointe,
tendu devant, ferm R leg devant
fifth position
R leg tendu devant with R arm
high fifth head over right shoulder
temps lie to first arabesque R arm
forward standing on R leg head
inclined to pinky finger
L leg tendu derrire (head inclined
to pinky finger), demi pointe,
tendu derrire, ferm L leg
derrire fifth position
L leg tendu derrire, temps lie to R
leg tendu devant
R leg tendu la second, demi
pointe, tendu la seconde, ferm
fifth position chang (2x)
R leg tendu la seconde, pli
second, temps lie to L foot R leg

1-16
Ending

tendu la second close fifth (2x)

ending in fifth position R leg
devant
Balance with the L leg retir
derrire arms first position, head
devant
Ferm fifth position, R leg devant,
arms bra bas, head quarter turn
over right shoulder.

*Repeat exercise from the beginning with the left leg

*Each time
1) R leg tendu devant= R arm high fifth, head quarter turn over
right shoulder
2) L leg tendu derrire= first arabesque line of arms and head
inclined to pinky finger
3) R leg tendu derrire= second arabesque line of arms and head
inclined to pinky finger
4) R leg tendu la seconde= R arm second position and head
devant
Purpose: Fulfills one of the major focuses of this level (tendus with
weight transfer). Helps to practice using pli correctly and proper
weight distribution in preparation for jumps and grand pirouettes.
Encourages traveling and utilizing all the space.
Level Eight: Side to the barre
Grand battements: 4/4 Military March
Counts
Intro

1-16

1-16

Movement
Fifth position, R leg devant, both
arms off the barre. Port de bras
preparation with both arms demi
second, bras bas, first. L hand
reaches the barre, R arms to
second position. Head follows the
r hand.
16 grand battements devant
ferm fifth position accent in, R
leg devant. Head quarter turn over
right shoulder and R arm high
fifth.
16 grand battements la seconde

1-16

1-8

1-8
Ending

accent in ferm fifth position

chang Head devant and R arm
second position
16 grand battements accent in
ferm fifth position, End with R leg
derrire fifth position. Head
inclined to the R pinky finger and
R arm in second arabesque.
8 grand battements la seconde
ferm fifth position chang (Head
and arms same as other la
seconde)
Grand battement la seconde,
turn in turn out, ferm fifth
position chang (2x)
Ferm Fifth position, R leg devant,
arms bra bas, head quarter turn
over right shoulder.

*Repeat the whole exercise on the left side with the R hand on the
barre.
Make sure the standing leg remains straight and with energy shooting
down into the ground.
Purpose: To build strength and endurance of the inner thighs and
standing leg. Preparatory for major variations and pieces requiring lots
of stamina. This also strengthens the hamstrings and dynamic core,
especially the psoas.