Stepping into the intermediate level of ballet is both thrilling and challenging. You’ve built a foundation—now it’s time to refine your technique and add sophistication to your movement. Here are five essential ballet moves to master as you progress, blending strength, grace, and artistry.
1. Pirouette (En Dehors)
The pirouette is the crown jewel of ballet turns. As an intermediate dancer, focus on:
- Spotting: Keep your head sharp to avoid dizziness.
- Alignment: Stack hips over supporting foot in retiré.
- Push vs. Pull: Use the floor to propel, not momentum.
Pro tip: Practice quarter- and half-turns before attempting full rotations.
2. Grand Jeté
This soaring split leap demands power and control. Key elements:
- Battement: Swing the front leg dynamically to maximize height.
- Split Mid-Air: Square hips and extend through the toes.
- Landing: Absorb impact through your plié, maintaining turnout.
Pro tip: Visualize floating—the illusion of suspension separates good from great jetés.
3. Fondu on Pointe/Demi-Pointe
A masterclass in controlled strength, this move builds stability for advanced work:
- Melting Motion: Lower smoothly, keeping the working knee aligned over toes.
- Rebound: Rise with equal energy from both legs.
- Balance: Engage your core to avoid wobbling on relevé.
Pro tip: Use a mirror to check for hip-level consistency.
4. Petit Allegro (Glissade + Assemblé)
Quick, precise footwork is the hallmark of clean petit allegro:
- Glissade: A "gliding" transition—don’t jump too high.
- Assemblé: "Assemble" feet mid-air with a crisp fifth position.
- Timing: Match the music’s rhythm; stay light on your feet.
Pro tip: Think "brush, push, close" for seamless execution.
5. Penché
This gravity-defying arabesque requires flexibility and strength:
- Spiral: Rotate from the upper back, not just the hips.
- Supporting Leg: Keep it straight and strong—micro-bends ruin the line.
- Working Leg: Extend through the toes, aiming for 180°.
Pro tip: Strengthen your hamstrings and core to avoid straining your back.
Master these five moves, and you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your fluidity, precision, and confidence. Remember: Ballet is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories—each perfected tendu feeds your grand jeté!
— Keep dancing,
Your Ballet Coach
