New to Ballet
Zagreb
Adult course 

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Day 1: Foundations of Ballet – Positions & Posture

Goal: Learn the basic positions of the feet and arms and establish proper posture.

1. Warm-Up

• Gentle stretches for posture and flexibility.

• Foot exercises to prepare for turnout.

2. Theory & Demonstration 

• Overview of ballet class structure: barre, center, pirouettes, and jumps.

• Introduction to the five positions of feet and arms.

3. Practical Session 

• Practice the five positions of feet and arms.

• Exercises to improve turnout and core engagement.

• Basic pliés in 1st, 2nd, and 5th positions.

4. Cool Down & Reflection 

• Stretching to relax muscles.

• Discuss key takeaways about posture and alignment.

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Day 2: Introduction to Barre Movements

Goal: Develop strength and coordination through fundamental barre exercises.

1. Warm-Up 

• Full-body stretches with emphasis on legs and arms.

2. Theory & Demonstration 

• Purpose of barre exercises in ballet training.

• Key terms: plié, tendu, dégagé, and relevé.

3. Practical Session 

• Plié: demi and grand plié in 1st, 2nd, and 5th positions.

• Tendu: sliding the foot along the floor.

• Dégagé: quick, sharp foot movements.

• Relevé: rising to the balls of the feet, focusing on balance.

4. Cool Down & Reflection 

• Gentle stretches for calves and ankles.

• Group discussion: challenges and progress.

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Day 3: Center Work Basics

Goal: Develop balance, coordination, and movement away from the barre.

1. Warm-Up 

• Review barre exercises with added focus on posture.

2. Theory & Demonstration 

• Transitioning from barre to center work.

• Importance of balance and spatial awareness.

3. Practical Session 

• Basic port de bras: graceful arm movements.

• Simple adagio sequence for balance and flow.

• Introduction to quarter and half pirouette preparation (spotting technique).

4. Cool Down & Reflection 

• Stretching for flexibility and relaxation.

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Day 4: Across-the-Floor Movements

Goal: Introduce traveling steps to enhance fluidity and coordination.

1. Warm-Up 

• Light barre review focusing on tendu and dégagé.

2. Theory & Demonstration

• Explanation of traveling movements: chassé, pas de bourrée, and glissade.

3. Practical Session 

• Practice chassé and glissade across the floor.

• Pas de bourrée: linking movements with flow.

• Combine steps into a simple sequence.

4. Cool Down & Reflection

• Relaxation and balance exercises.

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Day 5: Pirouettes and Jumps

Goal: Focus on preparation and technique for pirouettes and jumps.

1. Warm-Up

• Dynamic stretches targeting ankles and legs.

2. Theory & Demonstration

• Key elements of a pirouette: spotting, balance, and preparation.

• Introduction to small jumps (sauté) and landing safely.

3. Practical Session 

• Pirouette preparation: relevé and turning in passé.

• Sauté in 1st and 2nd positions.

• Echappé sauté: transitioning from 1st to 2nd and back.

4. Cool Down & Reflection 

• Stretching to release tension.

• Group feedback: pirouette challenges and achievements.

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Day 6: Putting It All Together – A Complete Ballet Class

Goal: Experience a structured ballet class combining all learned elements.

1. Warm-Up 

• Light barre exercises to prepare the body.

2. Complete Barre Session 

• Plié, tendu, dégagé, relevé, and a simple combination.

3. Center Work 

• Port de bras and basic adagio movements.

• Pirouette practice (quarter and half turns).

4. Across-the-Floor & Jumps 

• Combine chassé, pas de bourrée, and glissade with sauté.

• Practice a short traveling sequence.

5. Cool Down & Reflection 

• Stretching for recovery.

• Feedback and discussion: progress, favorite moments, and goals.