Allégro, Allegro

The Allégros (Jumps)

Allégro, Allegro

Pronunciation: a-lay-GROH

Translation: Brisk or lively.

In ballet, allégro is a term applied to bright, fast or brisk steps and movement.  Any step where the dancer jumps is considered to be allégro, such as sautés,  jetés, cabrioles, assemblés, and so on.

The next section of class is reserved for jumping. Jumping usually begins with a “warm up” jump that usually consists of jumps in place from either two feet or one foot in a series or pattern. Some teachers will add beats for more advanced dancers, and make the combination of steps more elaborate by changing directions, facings, and intricate patterns.

Petit Allégro (Small Jumps)

Translation: small allégro

Allegro Moderato (Medium Jumps)

Again, really characterized by the tempo of the music, moderato or medium jumps carry weight.

Grand Allegro (Big Jumps)

Like all progressions, finally we  enter grand allegro— the freedom to sore through the air, and have this sense of defying from gravity.