That first successful changement is a milestone every ballet student remembers (along with their first accidental foot-landing mishap!). As teachers, we have three valid approaches to teaching this foundational jump. While all are correct, consistency within your studio is key.
The Late Change Approach Maintaining the front foot until the last possible moment builds crucial muscle memory for the crossed position at the center line. This approach lays the groundwork for assemblé and jeté, making it particularly valuable for students focusing on these classical jumps.
The Quick Change Method Here, dancers change their feet as early as possible, ideally before reaching the peak of their jump. This approach not only reinforces center line awareness but also prepares students for advanced petit allegro like entrechat quatre and entrechat six.
The "Secret First" Strategy Dancers pass through a clear first position at the peak of their jump, maintaining their starting foot position on the ascent and completing the change on descent. This method develops clean technique and strong turnout habits, though it requires a subtle adjustment in counting ("and a one" versus "and one").
Consider your students' long-term goals when selecting your approach. In my teaching, we begin with the "Secret First" method through early intermediate levels, then transition to the Quick Change approach as students advance. The key is explaining the benefits of each progression to your students.
Looking for more insights on teaching ballet's foundational jumps? My complete curriculum includes detailed progression maps for petit allegro, with clear guidance on when and how to introduce each approach. Explore the full curriculum here.
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