Ballet Class for Beginners

We’ll start with the foundation of classical dance – the five basic leg positions and the three main arm positions.

Before we begin any dance practice, it's really important to have a proper warm-up. This helps prevent injuries, improves flexibility, and prepares your body for movement. Let’s start!

Learn to perform plié and relevé with correct alignment and control, building strength, balance, and foundational technique for all ballet movement.

Develop precision and coordination by performing battement tendu with correct foot articulation, alignment, and control, laying the groundwork for more advanced leg movements in ballet.

Perform battement tendu jeté with proper technique, focusing on sharp, controlled footwork and quick transitions, to build strength, speed, and dynamic movement in ballet.

Execute rond de jambe par terre with smooth, continuous motion and correct hip alignment, enhancing turnout, coordination, and fluidity in leg movements.

Perform fondu and rond de jambe en l'air with proper control and placement, developing strength, balance, and articulation of the working leg in both grounded and elevated movements.

Execute frappé with precision and sharpness to develop speed, strength, and dynamic footwork essential for quick allegro movements in ballet.

Perform développé as part of an adagio combination with two hands on the barre, focusing on slow, controlled leg extensions, correct alignment, and fluid coordination to build strength and balance.

Perform grand battement with proper alignment, strength, and control, focusing on high leg extension, dynamic movement, and strong core engagement to prepare for advanced ballet technique.

Perform plié with one hand on the barre, maintaining balance and alignment to build strength, coordination, and foundational technique.
Practice relevé with one hand support to improve balance, ankle strength, and postural control essential for center work.

Execute battement tendu with one hand on the barre, focusing on proper turnout, alignment, and smooth foot articulation.

Perform battement tendu jeté using one hand at the barre to develop speed, control, and sharp, precise movements in the working leg.

Perform rond de jambe par terre with one hand support, enhancing hip mobility, turnout, and control through fluid, circular leg motions.

Execute fondu and rond de jambe en l'air with one hand on the barre, focusing on coordination, balance, and strength through simultaneous bending and leg articulation.

Perform frappé with one hand support to develop quick reflexes, ankle strength, and sharp, precise foot movements.

Execute développé with one hand on the barre to challenge balance and control, enhancing core engagement, stability, and fluidity in slow, extended leg movements.

Execute grand battement with one hand on the barre, emphasizing controlled power, high leg extension, and core engagement.

Perform sauté with correct technique, focusing on proper takeoff and landing through plié, developing strength, lightness, and coordination in basic ballet jumps.

1. Glissade

A glissade is a gliding step where one foot slides along the floor before the other foot joins it in the air or on the ground.

2. Assemblé

Assemblé is a jump where one foot slides on the floor, and the other foot brings the body into the air, landing with both feet together.

3. Jeté

Jeté is a jump where one leg brushes through the air, extending outward, and the other leg follows, landing briefly before continuing the movement.

4. Fermé

Fermé (also referred to as "fermée") means "closed." It refers to a jump or movement where the legs close tightly together before landing.

5. Échappé

Échappé is a jump where the dancer’s feet “escape” from a closed position (such as fifth position) to an open position (like second or fourth position) before returning to a closed position.

Key Principles Across All Ballet Jumps:

1. Preparation: A plié (bend of the knees) before most jumps is essential to generate the power needed.

2. Alignment: Proper body alignment is critical for both aesthetics and injury prevention.

3. Landing: The landing should be soft, with knees slightly bent to absorb the impact and maintain control.

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to execute basic port de bras with fluidity and precision, focusing on correct arm positions, smooth transitions, and enhancing upper body strength and grace essential for classical ballet technique.

Complete a full beginner-level ballet class in 20 minutes, incorporating barre exercises, center work, and basic jump to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and an understanding of ballet fundamentals in a time-efficient format.

Some key books and resources that will help you deepen your knowledge and improve as a dancer.
1. "The Ballet Companion" by Eliza Gaynor Minden

2. "Ballet Technique and Terminology" by Gail Grant
3. "Classical Ballet Technique" by Gretchen W. Warren

4. Online Resources and Videos:

Dance Masterclass | Master Ballet from Home
Lazy Dancer Tips

YouTube Channels:

The Ballet Coach

Great for beginners and adults starting ballet from scratch.

Ballet Reign is a Dallas-based YouTube channel dedicated to making ballet more accessible, understandable, and relatable to audiences worldwide. Founded by professional dancers Jordan and Eden, the channel offers a blend of insightful commentary, educational breakdowns, and engaging storytelling to inspire and educate ballet enthusiasts of all levels.

Bonus: Music for Practice

Music for Ballet Class by Søren Bebe

By the end of this lecture, learners will be able to identify key habits and strategies—such as consistent practice,  offline classes, and goal setting—that support steady progress and long-term success in their ballet journey.

In this final message, students will be encouraged to reflect on their progress, feel inspired to continue their ballet journey with confidence, and understand that the fundamentals they've learned are just the beginning of a lifelong exploration of classical dance.