top of page

Where did the Allegro go?

Writer's picture: mic1568mic1568







The Importance of Early and Consistent Training in Allegro Jumps for Classical Ballet


In the demanding world of classical ballet, allegro—the quick, lively, and airborne steps that make dancers seem to defy gravity—has long been a cornerstone of the art form. From the bounding leaps of a grand jeté to the intricate footwork of petite allegro, these movements epitomize the elegance, strength, and technical prowess that define professional dancers. However, in recent years, many teachers, choreographers, and artistic directors have raised a concerning question: Where did the allegro go? As ballet evolves, the spotlight often shifts away from training in allegro steps toward athletic tricks and allegro sequences specific to choreography. The elements should not overshadow the foundational skills of allegro, which require consistent, focused and ever-changing training from a young age. Without this, dancers may find themselves ill-prepared for the rigors of professional life, and worse, at an increased risk of injury. In fact, the majority of workers compensation claims filed in the industry are due to acute traumas that occur in the studio during the execution of allegro steps.


Why Allegro Training Matters

1. Building Strength and Endurance

Allegro is not just about achieving impressive height or executing rapid beats—it’s about strength, alignment, control, and stamina. Jumping is a full-body activity that engages the core, legs, and feet, while requiring precise coordination and dynamic use of the arms. Training these movements consistently helps dancers build the strength and endurance necessary to execute allegro with both technical accuracy and artistic expression.


2. Developing Artistry and Precision

Petite allegro sequences demand speed, clarity, and sharp musicality, while grand allegro calls for soaring power and majestic lines. Together, these skills shape a dancer’s artistry and refine their ability to convey emotion and character through movement. Allegro mastery oftentimes distinguishes professionals from amateurs, demonstrating both their technical training and their ability to captivate an audience.


3. Preventing Injury

Without proper training, allegro can lead to significant physical strain. Repeated landings, improper technique, poor alignment, and weak musculature can cause stress fractures, tendonitis, and chronic joint issues that plague dancers through their careers. Early, focused instruction on correct jumping mechanics—such as plié preparation, alignment, muscle engagement and controlled landings—ensures that dancers develop the strength and technique to perform allegro safely throughout their careers. This training must incorporate varied approaches, executions, and sequences of steps to ensure adequate preparation and muscle memory.


The Decline of Allegro in Training

Overemphasis on Tricks, Flexibility, and Non-technical Coordination

Today’s ballet culture often emphasizes high extensions, dramatic backbends, and individual expression. While these skills have their place, the decline in focused allegro training can leave dancers lacking in the agility and power necessary for classical repertoire. The groundwork for allegro must begin early. Young dancers need structured exercises that gradually build strength and coordination - and they need to be repeated and advanced consistently. By layering complexity over years of application, students and professionals develop the foundation to perform advanced allegro steps confidently as they progress.


A Call to Action: Prioritizing Allegro

To ensure dancers are prepared for the demands of professional ballet, teachers and training institutions must reinstate allegro as a priority in their curriculums. Here are a few strategies to consider:

  • Start Young: Introduce proper jumping mechanics in beginner classes, focusing on strength, coordination, and safe landings.

  • Incorporate various applications of Allegro in Every Class: Dedicate time to both petite and grand allegro in all levels of training, gradually increasing complexity and intensity, and introduce allegro into turning combinations, within adagio sequences, and at the barre.

  • Emphasize Conditioning: Dancers at all levels should supplement classes with strength-building exercises that target the core, legs, and feet to support prime allegro performance.

  • Promote Injury Prevention: Teach dancers how to land safely and use plié effectively to absorb shock and protect their joints. The concentration on correct usage of the musculature and proper technical alignment is key.


A Stronger Future for Ballet

Allegro training is not just a technical exercise—it is a celebration of the art form’s vitality and energy. By prioritizing this essential component of classical ballet, we can ensure that the next generation of dancers is not only prepared for the demands of the profession but also equipped to inspire audiences with their nimble footwork.


100 views0 comments

Comments


AMPLogo-black-alpha.png
men-on-a-mission-2022.png

Influencers of the Year - 2022
Top 100 Professionals in Arkansas - 2020

Man on a Mission - 2023

Who's Who in America - 2022

© 2024 Michael Fothergill. All rights reserved.

bottom of page