Adaigo

Adagio is an essential part of center in a ballet class. They are beautiful to watch, and display very graceful movement qualities. In an adagio combination, the dancer is required to move their body slowly and controlled. Let’s take a look at some of the different components and techniques that make up an adagio.

Mastering a Promenade

Like so many moves in ballet, the promenade is a step that may initially look simple, but is actually quite difficult. Promenades are a very common step in adagio, and require a lot of control. Let’s walk through the mechanics of this deceivingly easy-looking step together!

Higher Développés

Développés are included in many adagio combinations. Have you ever watched dancers get their legs up so high, and wish you could lift your leg higher as well? Although this is often a work in process, there are things you can do to help improve your leg extension! In this video, we give you three different exercises to help you start this process.

Strengthen your Penché

A penché is a beautiful ballet step used both at barre and center that requires a lot of control. This step happens to be one of our studio owner, Julie’s favorite step! Follow-along as she guides you through the mechanics and how to strengthen your penché.

Being Graceful

Adaigo can often feel clumsy while first learning how to effectively control the movements and transition steps. Being graceful is not easy! For some dancers it may come easier, but for others it may take a little bit extra work. In any case, we're here to help!

Adagio Follow-Along

Now that we’ve worked on and seen some of the main components of adagio, let’s give it a try! Follow-along with our studio owner, Julie, as she takes you through an adagio combination incorporating the steps above.

Let’s dance!

Need more practice? Follow-along with the video again! Happy dancing!