In Focus Class 3 – Adage, guided by Ella Roper, dancers will move through a complete class designed to help dancers develop the  control, strength, and precision required for adagio.

During the session, dancers will work through all planes of movement—devant, à la seconde, and derrière—paying close attention to pelvic placement, turnout, and stabilising through a full range of motion. The goal is to build a foundation for expressive, well-aligned adagio, where quality always takes precedence over quantity.

This class supports dancers in deepening their awareness of lower body control and helps them strengthen their external rotation to improve overall alignment and technique.

Tips

Encourage dancers to work with the music, using the phrasing to explore their full range with intention.

Highlight continuous breathing as a tool to support adagio quality and reduce tension.

Remind students that both legs are active—the supporting leg is just as important as the working leg.

Check that turnout is maintained in the standing leg to support stability and placement.