Focus Warm-Up 4 – Advance Level: Feet & Allegro, guided by Stephanie Petersen, is designed to prepare dancers for the demands of allegro work through targeted activation of the feet, ankles, core, and overall alignment.

In this warm-up, dancers will work on refining foot articulation, ankle strength, and the mechanics of elevation, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Exercises like Ankle Stability Warm-Up develop awareness and control, creating a foundation for clean take-offs and landings.

By working without leaving the ground, dancers have the chance to focus on the alignment and dynamic coordination needed for jumps—without the pressure of height. In the exercise Grand Temps Levé, students can choose to stay grounded and explore the timing, posture, and port de bras required for an efficient jumping sequence.

Tips:

Encourage dancers to maintain alignment throughout their body, especially when rolling through demi-pointe and during jumping preparations.

Reinforce that jumping starts before the feet leave the floor—through strength, coordination, and precise timing.

Use grounded versions of jumping exercises to refine technique and dynamic intent without impact.