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Ballet Routines Step-by-Step

Ballet routines are used in ballet classes to teach and practice ballet steps. Many of these routines are done at the barre, beginning with pliés and working up to grand battements (pronounced "bot-mas"). After doing barre work, routines are done in the center of the dance floor or working across the floor from one side the other. One of the common routines used during this portion of the class is grand jetés. This routine includes a lead up to the jumps.

Things You'll Need

  • Leotard
  • Tights
  • Ballet slippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin at the far left of the dance floor in fifth position with your left foot in back. Beginning with your right foot, do a chassé, pas-de-bourrée. This is done by sliding the right foot into second position in demi-plié, bringing the left foot up quickly behind the right foot on relevé, stepping into second position with right foot (still on relevé), and closing in fifth position with the left foot in front.

    • 2

      Using the right foot, do a glissade and finish in fifth position with the left foot in front. A glissade is done by sliding the right foot into second position, shifting your weight from the left foot to the right, and sliding the right foot into fifth position while in a demi-plié. The chassé, pas-de-bourrée, glissade combination allows you to gain momentum for your jump.

    • 3

      Using the right foot, do a grand jeté. The grand jeté may be done straight-legged or using a developpé. A straight-legged grand jeté is done by kicking out with the right leg without bending the knee, pushing off the ground with your left foot and bringing the left leg up behind you without bending that knee. The goal is to achieve a split in the air. Land with a demi-plié on the right leg, bring the left leg through with a step, and begin your next grand jeté with the right leg. Continue doing grand jetés across the floor. A developpé grand jeté is done by passing the right leg through a passé before beginning the jump.

Ballet

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