Focus Warm-Up 3 – Senior Level: Adagio, guided by Stephanie Petersen, is a technically focused warm-up designed to prepare dancers for the demands of adagio work—where strength, alignment, and control are essential.

Although adagio is the central theme, this class works the entire body, strengthening external rotation, balance, and arabesque alignment. Dancers will explore how turnout supports stability; how spinal organisation connects to expressive lines, and how weight placement directly impacts quality of movement.

As this is a warm-up, dancers are encouraged to work within a controlled range of motion—prioritising activation and alignment over maximum extension. This approach helps build precision while ensuring that the body is appropriately prepared for more challenging movements.

Tips:

Highlight the importance of dynamic alignment through the spine and pelvis during balances—especially in shifting weight exercises.

In arabesque, remind students to lengthen through the whole body rather than compress the muscles and bones in their lower back.

Emphasise that slow, controlled exercises offer the best chance to observe technical habits and refine them.