It can be hard to balance and make the right shape so first practice this at the barre. The knee of your raised leg should be behind you and higher than your foot. Flexible hips help to make a good position. Beverley demonstrates an Attitude croisée derriére. Her standing leg is closest to the front of the room. Beverley’s lifted leg is closest to the front.
Beverley’s leg is lifted forward, turned out, with her heel upward. Lower your leg and pass through first position before lifting to attitude devant. Keep your leg turned out from the hip. Take your body forward and place your foot down to a wide fourth position, front knee in soft plié—(bend). Relevé onto demi-pointe as you close your feet tightly and lift your arms to fifth. Stay on balance, legs strong. Strong stomach for balance. No wobbles! Allegro steps are jumps—they are quicker and more lively than adage.
First, you will do petit allegro (little jumps). If you have worked hard at your pliés and tendus, you will be able to do these light little jumps with beautifully stretched feet. These are little springs from foot to foot. Nadja and Hannah hold hands to practice petit jeté derrière. Their raised feet are pointed and touch the backs of their legs on the calf muscle.
No wobbles! Allegro steps are jumps—they are quicker and more lively than adage.