The développé is a fundamental adagio step, both at the barre and in the center. The big slow movements build strength and control. In ballet développés only happen once the dancer is warm and then the dancer can put her full turnout to the test and work on her line and extension. Développé can also be practiced with a quick tempo.

Développé is a classical ballet term meaning “to develop,” or “developing movement.” A Développé is a movement where the dancer’s working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and extended to an open position.

As the working leg is brought up, the standing leg is typically straight while also keeping the hips level. The opening movement of the working leg should be seamless, yet still pass through a full passé.

Développé

Développé is a very common step in classical ballet and many other forms of dance. It is somewhat of a basic step, but can take quite a while to master, with many advanced students and sometimes even professionals still giving in to bad habits. A good understanding of développé, especially the idea of leaving your hip down as much as possible, can lead to many other steps looking better. As développés are commonly used in pas de deuxes, it is even more important for women to understand how to do the movement correctly.

Adagio consists of slow, graceful steps that help develop balance, extension, and control. Adagio helps a dancer concentrate on the lines being formed by their body.

Adagio

In ballet, Adagio refers to slow movement, typically performed with the greatest amount of grace and fluidity than other movements of dance.

In a classical ballet class, an adagio combination or lesson will concentrate on slow movement to help improve a dancer’s ability to control leg movement and extension, all while keeping the entire body controlled and aligned.

Adagio combinations are typically done both at barre and in center. They usually consist of many basic steps of classical ballet technique, such as arabesque, attitude, développé, grande rond de jambe, and plié, among more advanced steps. They are usually given at almost all skill levels and classes, from beginner to advanced.

The quality of a dancer’s adagio work is shown by how fluid the dancer can move and hit the fine balance of high extensions without sacrificing strong standing legs. Also, how purposeful the movement looks without lots of noticeable movement in their feet or arms to keep balance.

Download Adagio – Développé MP3 piano music for ballet class for free