So you’ve nailed your pliés and pirouettes—now what? Leveling up as an intermediate ballet dancer requires precision, strength, and artistry. These five essential drills will refine your technique, boost your stamina, and add that extra je ne sais quoi to your performances. Let’s dive in!
1. The 32-Fouetté Challenge
Why it works: Black Swan vibes, anyone? Mastering consecutive fouettés builds core stability, spotting accuracy, and leg endurance.
How to drill:
- Start with 8 clean singles, focusing on pushing off the floor rather than whipping
- Progress to 16 doubles with precise arm positions (first to second)
- Attempt 32 alternating singles/doubles—record yourself to check alignment
Pro tip: Visualize an elastic band pulling your working knee back to center.
2. Adagio Balance Series
Why it works: Turns your développés into showstoppers while improving hip flexibility.
How to drill:
- Hold arabesque penchée for 8 counts (use a mirror to check shoulder alignment)
- Transition to attitude derrière without lowering the leg—4 counts up, 4 counts hold
- Finish with promenade in passé, aiming for 3 full rotations with controlled rotation
Pro tip: Engage your deep rotators more than your glutes to avoid "sitting" in balances.
3. Petit Allegro Precision Grid
Why it works: Sharpens quick footwork and directional changes—crucial for contemporary ballet repertoire.
How to drill:
- Create a 4×4 floor grid with tape
- Execute:
- 8 changements (strict 180° rotation)
- 16 échappés with 1" pause in second
- 32 assemblés alternating directions - Repeat facing each wall to eliminate "favorite" side
Pro tip: Imagine your feet are paintbrushes creating sharp, geometric patterns.
4. Port de Bras with Resistance Bands
Why it works: Elevates port de bras from pretty to powerfully expressive.
How to drill:
- Loop a light resistance band around your wrists
- Perform slow port de bras through all positions (5 counts per transition)
- Add 1lb wrist weights for tendus with arm coordination
- Finish with 2 minutes of continuous fluid arm waves
Pro tip: Your fingertips should feel like they’re drawing on velvet.
5. The Grand Jeté Matrix
Why it works: Transforms your jumps from "nice" to gasp-worthy.
How to drill:
- Mark 3 staggered lines on the floor (short/medium/long distance)
- 5 jetés per line focusing on:
- Line 1: Split height (photograph your peak)
- Line 2: Ballon (hover before landing)
- Line 3: Travel distance (without sacrificing form) - Repeat alternating leading leg
Pro tip: Your back arm should feel like it’s pulling you forward through space.
Incorporate these drills 3x weekly for 4 weeks and you’ll notice:
→ Cleaner lines
→ Effortless-looking balances
→ That coveted "professional polish"
Remember: Intermediate is where the real magic happens—you’re not just doing steps, you’re dancing. Now go make your tendus jealous!
Which drill are you trying first? Tag your ballet buddy and challenge them to join you! #BalletHacks2025
