Ballet Class Structure + Vaganova Ballet Room Corners | Ballet Education

Standing Leg – When standing on one leg, this is the leg that is supporting one’s weight.

Working Leg – When standing on one leg, this is the leg off the ground performing an action.

Combination – A short choreography created by a ballet teacher for the class to practice techniques. A combination often focuses on a specific movement and utilizing that motion to all sides.

Barre – This is the first portion of a ballet class where dancers work on techniques while supporting themselves with a ballet barre (a sturdy, horizontal structure which can be held to assist with balance). The additional support allows students to better focus on improving their technique. Completing the combinations to each side is key, as it is important to be evenly proficient in executing movements on the left and right standing leg. The barre portion of a ballet class can vary between schools, but it typically consists of movements such as: plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, stretching, dévelopé, frappé, and battement.

Center Floor – This is the second portion of a ballet class which focuses on dancing without the assistance of a barre. This includes work stationary at the middle of the room, traveling from corner to corner, and moving in a large circle at the center of the room. Center floor work often involves an allegro portion (fast jumps and other quick movements) as well as an adagio section (dancing slowly and demonstrating leg extensions). Spins like pique turns and leaps such as the grand jeté are often executed from corner to corner or done in a circle. The last movement students work on is usually the fouetté, which means ‘to whip’ in French. This is a continuous motion which involves spinning like a pirouette. To keep up momentum, one must periodically open the working leg to the side and bring it back in quickly (like the name, it resembles a whipping motion).

Révérence – After practicing movements during center floor, students often give thanks to their teacher and the ballet class musician. This is done through a simple combination which involves curtsies and bows. This section concludes a traditional ballet class.

Ballet Room Corners – Based off the Vaganova teaching method, the front of the room (or audience) is wall one, the first corner to the right is corner 2, the next wall to the right is wall 3, and so on (until reaching corner 8). Dancers are often instructed to face a specific corner or wall for certain movements when being taught choreography, this makes learning easier for both teachers and students as it conveys clear directions for dance movements.

How To Make Your Own Ballet Room Corners and Walls Floor Diagram – Create your own diagram by simply using some painter's tape! First, use the tape to make a square on the floor. Then, use the tape to make an X in the center of the square (make sure the diagonals connect the corners of the square like the image below.

An example of a ballet room corners and walls floor visual. This will help dancers visualize the corners, walls, and their overall lines/body position while in the center.