2 – Primary – Allegro + Dances
ALLEGRO
Note: a finishing pose should be encouraged for exercises 2, 3, 4, & 5.
1) Sautés
2 counts = 1 bar
1-8
1
&2
3-4
5-16
Introduction – Hold the position
Plié
Sauté and land in plié
Stretch knees and hold
Repeat 3 more times
Notes:
This exercise may be shown in either a parallel position (as in Rises) or a natural 1st position.
Students show the exercise 4 times. There is enough music for two groups. Emphasize the use of the Demi-plié and work for fully stretched feet and legs in the air. Jump to look for presents on a top shelf, bouncy springs, Jack-in-the-Box, etc.
2) Skips
Commence parallel
Skipping with lifted knees and pointed toes – pattern is at teachers’ discretion but should have a clear beginning and ending.
Notes:
Aim for lifted knees and pointed toes.
Teachers should choose from CD Tracks 17, 18, or 19 for exercises 3, 4A or 4B. Galops (3) must be shown in the exam. Galops start with a hop from 1st or tendu. Teachers will choose either 4A or 4B to show in the exam.
3) Sideways Galops
This exercise may be demonstrated in either a parallel position (as in Rises) or a natural 1st position.
Natural sideways galops – pattern is at teachers’ discretion but should be simple
Notes:
Aim for a lift in the air with the feet connecting and fully stretched.
4(a) Pony Canters
Commence parallel
Pony canters – pattern is at teachers’ discretion but should be simple.
Notes:
Pony canters are a parallel pas de chat. Aim for lifted knees and pointed toes.
4(b) Pony Trots
Commence parallel
Pony canters – pattern is at teachers’ discretion but should be simple.
Notes:
Pony trots are a jump from one foot to the other- a precursor to petite jeté. Aim for lifted knees and pointed toes.
5) Ballet BourrÉes
Parallel ballet bourrées – at teachers’ discretion but with a clear beginning and ending.
Notes:
Aim for quick light runs on the balls of the feet without shuffling. Imaginative use of scarves, ribbons, flags etc. fairies, butterflies, airplanes, etc.
IMPROVISATION
Teachers must use different music in each lesson to encourage the students to be creative. In the examination, the examiner provides the music.
To be shown in groups of two, and two pieces of music per group.
DANCES
One Dance to be shown in the exam, teachers’ choice. Props may be used. This will be shown in groups of 2 or 3.
1) Playing
Music Plays Twice
Stand in natural 1st position
1-4
5-8
1-3
4
5-6
7-8
1-8
1-8
Step to side on right, close 1st – step to side on right – point left in front (slightly croisé)
Repeat to the other side
Run forward towards wall 5
Finish in either parallel or natural 1st in a plié
Jump to face corner 2 and hold
Jump to face corner 1 and hold
Skip around to the right side to finish in starting position in either parallel or natural 1st
Turn on spot with imaginative use of prop and finish in own pose
2) Friends
Stand with a partner holding inside hands facing slightly towards partner
1-2
3-4
5-8
1-4
5-8
1-16
Demi-plié and stretch while looking at partner
Tendu outside foot to corner in écarté line, lift outside arm to lyre position and close
Repeat all – finish with partners holding 2 hands facing each other
4 Sways – to wall 5, wall 7, wall 5, wall 7
Ballet runs around each other to finish on the opposite side ready for repeat
Repeat all on the other side
3) Going Riding
Stand at corner 3 facing corner 1 with feet parallel. This dance travels from 3 to 1.
1-4
5-8
1-4
5-8
1-16
4 Marches
4 Pony Canters finishing with feet parallel together
4 Jumps in parallel with a hold to each corner – 4,3,2,1
Run backwards, pulling horse to repeat in the same way
Repeat all to the same side
BOB CURTSEY OR BOW
Girls Stand in 1st position
1
2
3
4
5-8
Slide right foot behind to the ball of the foot to finish at the back of the left heel (optional to do a tendu)
Fondu into the Curtsey
Straighten supporting knee
Close in 1st position
Repeat on the other side
Boys Any simple bow (at the teachers’ discretion)