Basic Ballet Dance Steps for Kids
Introducing your child to the world of ballet can be a wonderful way to enhance their creativity, discipline, and physical health. Ballet provides children with the basic foundation of dance techniques that support physical development and artistic expression. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten essential ballet dance steps for kids, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. These steps include plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe à terre, développé, arabesque, grand battement, chassé, jeté, and relevé. Alongside each dance step, we’ll also discuss how social media impacts young dancers today and the exciting opportunity to join ballet classes here in Graz, Austria. Whether your child is new to ballet or expanding their dance repertoire, these basic steps are fundamental to their journey in dance.
The Pros and Cons of Social Media for Dancers
Social media has become an indispensable tool in the dance community, providing visibility and networking opportunities for dancers. The pros include platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where young dancers can share their progress and receive feedback from peers. It’s a great way to stay informed about new trends and connect with influential figures in the ballet world. Furthermore, online challenges and hashtags can motivate children to practice regularly and develop a passion for dance.
However, there are cons to consider. Social media can create pressure to always be “picture-perfect,” leading to performance anxiety and self-esteem issues among young dancers. Moreover, the comparison to more experienced dancers can discourage progress. Parental guidance is essential to maintain a healthy balance and ensure children focus on their personal growth and enjoyment of ballet, rather than the number of likes or followers.
1. Plié
The plié is one of the first and most fundamental elements taught in ballet. It involves bending the knees while keeping the heels firmly on the floor, which helps in developing strength and flexibility in the legs. Practicing pliés helps children gain a better understanding of their body alignment, balance, and posture.
Pliés come in three variations: demi-plié (half bend), grand plié (full bend), and the one performed in various foot positions. As children practice, they learn to execute these movements smoothly, which is crucial as pliés are foundational to transitioning into more complex dance steps.
2. Tendu
The tendu is another basic ballet step, crucial for developing a dancer’s control over their feet and legs. The step involves stretching a leg and pointing the toes without lifting them off the floor, which lengthens and strengthens the footwork and leg muscles. It plays a key role in teaching dancers how to extend their lines gracefully.
Tendu exercises are often used at the beginning of a ballet class to warm up the feet and legs. They also instill a rhythm and timing that children must adapt to as they progress through different movements, thereby enhancing coordination and precision.
3. Dégagé
The dégagé can be considered an extension of tendu. It involves disengaging the foot from the floor, using the same form and artistry as tendu but with a flick that adds impetus and energy to the leg. This movement is excellent for teaching sharpness and control.
Through mastering the dégagé, children learn to coordinate quick and dynamic movements, which are essential for more advanced ballet techniques. It exercises the muscles further, helping young dancers refine their ability to balance and transition effortlessly in sequences.
4. Rond de Jambe à Terre
The rond de jambe à terre is an exercise where the leg moves in a circular motion, tracing a half-circle or full-circle around the supporting leg. It’s instrumental in teaching children about spatial awareness and how to articulate their legs with grace and fluidity.
This step enhances hip mobility and encourages a smoother transition between movements. Young dancers will benefit from improved range of motion and core stability, both of which are key in maintaining balance and executing more complex routines as they advance in ballet.
5. Développé
The développé is a dynamic ballet step where the working leg is drawn up and extended into the air, creating a long and graceful line. This movement tests a dancer’s balance, strength, and flexibility, particularly in the core and leg muscles.
Practicing développé helps young dancers achieve a greater range of motion in their legs and enhances their expressing abilities by demonstrating control and fluidity. It also introduces them to the art of storytelling through dance, as they learn to capture emotions and expressions through their movements.
6. Arabesque
An arabesque is a classic and iconic ballet pose in which the dancer stands on one leg, extending the other leg straight behind their body. This position emphasizes balance and promotes a strong and graceful line through the entire body.
There are various forms of arabesque, depending on the position of the hands and body tilt. Practicing the arabesque helps children refine their posture, enhance core strength, and exhibit elegance. It’s a step that combines technique with visual artistry, making it both a challenge and a delight for young learners.
7. Grand Battement
The grand battement is a high, dramatic kick where the working leg is thrown into the air with controlled strength and returns to its original position. This step helps in developing the flexibility and power of the dancer’s back and leg muscles.
Young dancers engage in grand battements to learn how to execute large movements while maintaining poise and control. It’s invigorating as it combines subtle control with expressive energy, a skill set useful in various dance sequences.
8. Chassé
The chassé is a galloping movement where one foot chases the other. It’s a cheerful and dynamic step that introduces children to the notion of rhythm and coordination, often seen in sequences or transitions in both classical and contemporary routines.
Practicing chassés can energize students, encouraging small leaps and footwork combinations, boosting their agility and confidence in moving across the floor. Additionally, it fosters seamless fluidity and confidence in young dancers.
9. Jeté
The jeté is a type of leap, one of the more advanced steps, and translates to “thrown” in French. In this leap, a dancer appears to launch themselves into the air, switching from one foot to the other. It’s a fun exercise that adds flair and dynamism to any routine.
Kids are naturally drawn to the jeté; mastering it requires both strength and precision. As they hone their technique, children experience the thrill of leaping gracefully and the discipline it takes to land softly, completing the motion with elegance.
10. Relevé
The relevé involves rising up onto the toes or demi-pointe from a flat foot position. It’s a fundamental technique that strengthens the legs and ankles, enhancing the dancer’s ability to balance and execute jumps or pirouettes.
Practicing relevés helps children understand the importance of alignment and weight distribution. It nurtures musicality, as timing is crucial when rising and lowering the body in coordination with music, training young dancers to be aware of and responsive to the rhythm.
Join Our Ballet Classes in Graz, Austria!
If your child is eager to step into the enchanting world of ballet, consider enrolling them in our ballet classes in Graz, Austria! Our experienced instructors are passionate about nurturing young talent, combining disciplined training with fun and creativity.
We offer classes that cater to varying skills, ensuring that every child progresses at their pace while building a strong foundation in ballet. Join us and become part of a supportive community that celebrates dance, discipline, and the joy it brings to young hearts.
Next Steps
| Ballet Step | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Plié | Bending of the knees | Strengthens legs, improves posture |
| Tendu | Stretching the foot along the floor | Enhances footwork precision |
| Dégagé | Foot lifts from floor after tendu | Sharpens movement control |
| Rond de Jambe à Terre | Circular leg movements on floor | Improves hip mobility |
| Développé | Leg extends aloft from bent position | Increases flexibility and grace |
| Arabesque | One leg extended behind | Enhances balance and posture |
| Grand Battement | High energetic kick | Builds leg power |
| Chassé | Galloping movement | Improves rhythm and coordination |
| Jeté | Leap from one foot to another | Explores jumping technique |
| Relevé | Rising on toes | Strengthens ankles and legs |
