Glissade is one of the most important and fundamental ballet movements that every aspiring dancer should learn. It is essentially a glide or a sliding step that includes a combination of jumping and traveling movements that helps the dancer to move gracefully across the stage. Teaching students about glissade ballet can help them to develop their balance, coordination, and overall technique. Here’s how to do it:
1. Introduce the concept of glissade to your students. Explain that it is a step that combines a small jump with a sliding movement, and that it is used to travel across the stage in a fluid and elegant way. Show them a demonstration of the movement so that they can see how it is done.
2. Teach your students the proper form for a basic glissade. This includes starting in a plié position with the arms in front, jumping into the air, sliding one foot out to the side, and then landing in a plié on the other foot. Show them how to keep the shoulders and hips facing forward, and how to keep a light and lifted feeling throughout their bodies.
3. Work on the timing and coordination of the movement. Glissade is often done in combination with other steps, such as sissonne or jeté, so it’s important to make sure that your students can execute it smoothly and seamlessly. Practice different combinations of steps to help them get comfortable with the movement.
4. Emphasize the importance of musicality in glissade ballet. The movements should be timed to the rhythm and tempo of the music, and the dancer should strive to create a sense of flow and expression in their performance.
5. Finally, encourage your students to practice their glissade regularly. It is a fundamental movement that forms the basis of many other ballet steps, so mastering it will help them to build a strong foundation for their future dancing endeavors.
