Private Ballet Los Angeles

Adagio is as common a part of class as plies.  You either love it or you hate it, but do you know what it is?  Here is some basic information and tips about ballet adagio.

1. DEFINITION – Adagio means “slowly”.  Keep that in mind when performing these movements. They are meant to be slow and breathy.

2. KEEP MOVING – Even though the movement is slow this does not mean you stop when changing positions.  Flow from one position to the next like you’re moving through water.

3. FOCUS ON QUALITY – Don’t worry about the height of your leg.  Adagio is not about the height of the leg.  A beautiful adagio is beautiful because of the quality of movement.  As your flexibility and strength improve so will the height of your leg.  If you try to force your leg up, your hip will hinge up, your standing leg may bend, you might your torso will no longer be square, or a number of other things that will compromise your line. It’s more important to make a beautiful line at whatever level your flexibility will allow, and to maintain a fluidity from movement to movement.

4. BREATHE – This tip continues to show up because it is important to remember when doing any type of balletic movement.  As mentioned before, adagio is a breathy movement, and the best way to make your movement breathy is by using your breath.  Work with your inhale and exhale. For example, when doing a devlope inhale as you bring the leg to posse, then exhale slowly as you extend your leg out.

5. DANCE INSIDE THE MUSIC – Adagio for piano translates the same as it does for ballet.  The pianist or recording of music will be slow.  It’s a normal tendency to get ahead of the music when working at this pace, but fight the urge to hasten your movements.  You will build strength quicker by working slowly.  Sounds counter intuitive, but you’ll see.

Cambre means “arched”, and a deep cambre is a beautiful sight to see. Just remember when stretching your back in this manner, proper alignment is important for preventing injury.

1. KEEP SQUARE – Cambre back is meant to be performed straight back. Do not let your body twist. It is a common mistake to let the shoulders and hips twists. This happens a lot at barre when only one arm is extended, and your gaze is to one side. Focus on maintaining your square.

2. ENGAGE YOUR ABS – The “arched” position should come from your upper back, not your lower back. If you feel the stretch mainly in your lower back or feel those muscles pinch, you are most likely letting your back sway and your stomach stick out. Keep your abs and turn-out muscles engaged. This will allow you to rise up out of your hips and initiate the movement from your upper back.

3. STRETCH – Think about reaching and growing further with the arms and head. At barre we use cambre to stretch. When done correctly, cambre back should feel good. It’s a wonderful way to counter all those hours hunched at a desk or driving in your car.

4. INCREASE YOUR FLEXIBILITY – If you want to cambre further, you will need to increase your back flexibility. One way to accomplish this is to practice the cobra stretch from yoga. Be sure to keep your shoulders pressed down and keep your hips reaching toward the floor.