Technical skills

Question 1

Classical ballet:

Answer 1

• main characteristics are the leg and arm lines, pointed feet, pointe work, use of turn out, pulling away from floor, use of codified movement system
• plie (to bend), essential that correct alignment is maintained, body pulling upwards, knees aligned over toes, straight spine, turn out from hip socket
• essential component of many subsequent movements such as pirouette preparations, adage, and allegro, when jumping a good plie is essential prior to take off and landing, will allow effective push off floor articulating the joints in the feet, and on landing with heels down

Question 2

Contemporary:

Answer 2

• typical movements include the use of torso in contraction and release, use of parallel lines, pointed and flexed feet, use of breath, floorwork, falling and rising
• contraction and release, performed on the floor, standing and in elevation,
• start in upright seated position, inhale, exhale curl lower back around pelvis, head follow curve, extend through the back, stretching into a diagonal, head in line with neck and spine, don’t open ribs
• well executed contractions allow dancer to move with fluidity, power and control

Question 3

Jazz:

Answer 3

• fundamental movements include isolations, multi rhythms, high kicks, percussive movement
• isolations are usually performed with the head, shoulders, ribs and hips eg circle shoulders
• the dancer who is in control of their isolations can perform quick fire sequences with precision, attack and clarity of movement

Question 4

How to strengthen a releve?

Answer 4

• requires strong legs, ankles and feet
• to strengthen the lower leg and intrinsic muscles of the feet, stand facing the barrre and perform a series of controlled rises and lowers with straight legs, ensuring correct alignment
• gradually increase repetitions

Question 5

How to develop the skills for a falling backbend?

Answer 5

• strength in the legs so body weight doesn’t fall on knees
• back needs to be supple yet strong
• to increase flexibility in the spine lay on stomach and lift up upper body while pushing upwards with hands

Question 6

How to develop the skills for a jump in 2nd?

Answer 6

• needs elevation skills to propel the body in the air in an open extended position
• to prepare the feet for elevation, do releves starting each one with a plie

Question 7

How to develop skills for an arabesque?

Answer 7

• requires strong flexible back with supple hip flexors supported by a strong core
• facing the barre, tendu derriere and lift leg in air in arabesque position, hold and repeat
• to improve flexibility, lay on stomach, bend one knee and pull foot towards the leg