The Ailey School

This level develops strength and flexibility with the execution of more complicated combinations at the barre and in the center. Students must be able to change and use different dynamics of movement and attack in the legs and feet. Barre-work involves quick changes of direction, quick weight changes from one leg to the other and more sustained adagios. Balances in different positions are important additions to the end of each combination. Center work includes adagios with rises on demi-pointe, promenades and slow controlled pirouettes. Petit allegro incorporates beats and directional changes using épaulement. Grand allegro requires students to be able to execute grand jeté en tournant, saut de chat, saut de basque and other expansive jumps that challenge their strength and stamina and allow them to enjoy moving through space.