Tips for Teachers: Using Demi-Plie'

Mignon Furman

Tip #1

A demi-plie' provides both spring and momentum in allegro work, making fast steps easier, jumps higher, and landings softer. Demi-plie' must be used at the beginning and end of all springing and allegro steps, including glissades. A well-executed glissade must be completed in one count, making certain to put the same energy in stretching the closing foot as in the leading foot.

Tip #2

Demi-plie' also facilitates the transfer of weight in a pique'. Before stepping onto a pique' or (pose'), the dancer should demi-plie' on the supporting leg to enable a good push off onto the stepping leg. This places the dancer solidly on the stepping leg on pointe or demi-pointe.

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