Ballet fundamentals form the backbone of musical theater dance. From basic barre exercises to center combinations, these techniques build strength, flexibility, and grace. Mastering proper turnout , alignment , and épaulement creates a solid foundation for diverse choreography.
Ballet's influence on musical theater is profound. Its technical precision enhances performers' abilities across dance styles, while its expressive qualities enrich storytelling. Choreographers often incorporate ballet-inspired movements to add elegance and emotional depth to productions.
Ballet Fundamentals
Basic ballet barre exercises
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Pliés involve bending the knees while maintaining turnout and alignment
Demi-plié bends the knees halfway (first, second, fourth, and fifth positions)
Grand plié fully bends the knees, heels may lift in second and fourth positions
Tendus slide the working foot forward, side, or back while maintaining contact with the floor
Emphasize fully stretching the foot and leg, working through the demi-pointe
Practice tendus in first, third, and fifth positions
Dégagés brush the working foot off the floor from a tendu position
Point the foot strongly and maintain turnout throughout the movement
Dégagés can be performed to the front, side, or back (devant, à la seconde, derrière)
Simple ballet center combinations
Adagio consists of slow, controlled movements that emphasize balance, extension, and fluidity
Incorporate basic steps like développés , arabesques, and port de bras
Focus on smooth transitions and sustained lines (penché, écarté)
Allegro involves brisk, lively movements that focus on quick footwork and jumps
Include steps such as sautés , changements, and assemblés
Emphasize precision, musicality , and coordination (glissades, pas de bourrées)
Proper ballet technique elements
Turnout refers to the external rotation of the legs from the hips
Maintain turnout throughout all movements, avoiding rolling in or out
Engage the deep rotator muscles to support proper turnout (gluteus medius, piriformis)
Alignment involves the proper placement of the body, with the ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles in line
Engage core muscles to support proper alignment and maintain a lifted spine
Avoid tilting or twisting the pelvis, and keep the ribcage centered over the hips
Épaulement refers to the position and carriage of the head, shoulders, and upper body
Coordinate épaulement with port de bras and other movements to create expression
Maintain an open and lifted chest, with the shoulders down and back (croisé, effacé)
Ballet's influence on musical theater
Ballet provides a strong technical foundation for other dance styles used in musical theater
Jazz, tap, and contemporary dance all build upon ballet's emphasis on proper technique, alignment, and musicality
Ballet training enhances a performer's ability to execute complex choreography across various styles
Musical theater choreography often incorporates ballet-inspired movements and positions
Lifts, turns, and jumps in musical theater draw from ballet technique (grand jeté , fouetté )
Ballet port de bras and épaulement add grace and elegance to musical theater dance
Ballet's ability to convey emotion and narrative through movement influences musical theater storytelling
Choreographers use ballet-based movements to enhance character development and plot
Expressive qualities of ballet, such as extensions and lines, help convey the emotional arc of a story (Carousel dream ballet)