Basic Principles Of Classical Ballet Pdf Direct
No discussion of ballet principles is complete without the five basic positions. Codified by Pierre Beauchamp in the 17th century, these are the starting and ending points for almost all steps.
These are the five specific ways the feet can be placed on the floor. Every step, jump, or turn in ballet begins and ends in one of these five positions. basic principles of classical ballet pdf
| Week | Principle Focus | Practical Exercise | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Turnout & First Position | Standing at the barre, lifting inner thighs. | | 2 | Demi-Plié | Slow, controlled bends in 1st & 2nd. | | 3 | Tendu (Stretched) | Slides of the foot to the front, side, back. | | 4 | Alignment & Port de Bras | Simple arm swings while holding the core. | | 5 | Epaulement | Croisé and Effacé in 5th position. | | 6 | Spotting & Relevé | Rising to half-toe. | | 7 | Saute (Jumping) | Small jumps in 1st position. | No discussion of ballet principles is complete without
Finally, there is the principle of epaulement, or the "shouldering," which breathes life into the technique. A dancer can have perfect turnout and high extensions, yet remain a mere automaton without epaulement. This principle involves the subtle twisting of the torso and the positioning of the shoulders and head relative to the legs. It adds dimension, shading, and emotion to the movement. It is the difference between a calisthenic exercise and a performance. Epaulement connects the dancer to the audience and to the emotional narrative of the music, proving that the "basic principles" are not merely physical but deeply expressive. Every step, jump, or turn in ballet begins
Vaganova reformed ballet education into a scientific, systematic progression. Introduction to Classical Ballet - the Vaganova Method
Classical ballet is not about being naturally flexible or thin. It is about the disciplined application of these five principles. Master the turnout, align your skeleton, place your weight forward, learn the five positions, and add epaulement—and you will look like a dancer, even in a simple plié.