A Cecchetti ballet class
A Cecchetti ballet class follows a structured, scientific approach to classical ballet created by Italian maestro Enrico Cecchetti. It is globally administered and maintained through organizations like the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).
Key Elements of a Cecchetti Class
• The "Days of the Week" System:
Cecchetti famously assigned specific exercises and combinations to specific days of the week so that every muscle, joint, and technical principle gets balanced, systematic attention over a weekly cycle.
• Barre Work:
Classes begin at the barre, working systematically through warm-ups, pliés, battement tendus, ronds de jambe, and adagio combinations to build strength, alignment, and controlled placement.
• Iconic Port de Bra:
Cecchetti port de bras are distinctively subdued, fluid, and contained—featuring a gently inclined head facing forward rather than turned sharply, and arms moving cleanly without "flicking" or excessive wrist action.
• Center Floor Work:
Exercises move away from the barre into adagio, turns (pirouettes with specific head-turning techniques), and allegro (jumps like sautés and petit jetés).
• Musicality and Coordination:
The method emphasizes a deep connection to music, epaulement (use of the shoulders), and clean physical lines rather than relying on extreme natural flexibility.
• Exam and Syllabus Progression:
Classes are typically organized by graded or vocational syllabi (from early children's grades up to major and professional levels), and can be found locally via specialized programs like the Cecchetti Ballet Associates.
Key Elements of a Cecchetti Class
• The "Days of the Week" System:
Cecchetti famously assigned specific exercises and combinations to specific days of the week so that every muscle, joint, and technical principle gets balanced, systematic attention over a weekly cycle.
• Barre Work:
Classes begin at the barre, working systematically through warm-ups, pliés, battement tendus, ronds de jambe, and adagio combinations to build strength, alignment, and controlled placement.
• Iconic Port de Bra:
Cecchetti port de bras are distinctively subdued, fluid, and contained—featuring a gently inclined head facing forward rather than turned sharply, and arms moving cleanly without "flicking" or excessive wrist action.
• Center Floor Work:
Exercises move away from the barre into adagio, turns (pirouettes with specific head-turning techniques), and allegro (jumps like sautés and petit jetés).
• Musicality and Coordination:
The method emphasizes a deep connection to music, epaulement (use of the shoulders), and clean physical lines rather than relying on extreme natural flexibility.
• Exam and Syllabus Progression:
Classes are typically organized by graded or vocational syllabi (from early children's grades up to major and professional levels), and can be found locally via specialized programs like the Cecchetti Ballet Associates.
31-35, F