Dancing Class on Practicing the Adagio
Teaching Dancers Aerobic Dance Moves Including the Plie & Arabesque
Sep 17, 2009
The adagio is a series of slow, controlled dance steps that encourages dance students to centre their bodies, control balance and experience varying degrees of muscle tension within various parts of the body.
A Dance Sequence that Stretches the Muscles
Prior to embarking upon the adagio, the dance teacher, may inform the students the definition of following terminology:
- Plie: With knees bent, feet pointing outwards
- Demi plie: With knees slightly bent. The heels should remain on the floor
- Deep Plie: With knees fully bent until the heels lift from the floor
- Arabesque: Balanced on one leg whilst the other is extended behind. Both feet should be pointed outwards and the arms extended
Differentiating the Adagio Dance Technique
The dance instructor may begin by demonstrating the correct way to perform the adagio in isolated stages. Differentiation may be incorporated into the routine for students who might have joint weakness or beginners who have little flexibility. The deep plie and the arabesque posture may be omitted from the routine for the time being or the barre may be used for support.
Demonstration on Performing the Adagio Dance Routine
The adagio is performed via the following steps. The moves must be slow and controlled at all times.
- Stand upright, legs straight and feet turned outwards and arms curled inwards at the sides
- Bend legs in a demi plie, raise the arms to waist level, palms facing upwards
- Continue to a deep plie, keeping the torso upright and continue to lift the arms above the head, forming inward facing arcs
- Slowly stand upright, extending the arms outwards
- Demi plie on the right leg and move the left leg straight out in front. Gently bend the left arm and bring it forward, elbow slightly bent as though to proffer something
- Keep the right leg in demi plie, move the left leg in semi circular motion to the side and to the back, keeping the knee straight and finish in arabesque position
- Extend the right arm outwards and move the left foot behind the right and place it onto the floor
- Straighten the right leg
- Lift the left arm out in front and keep lifting the left leg into full arabesque. Hold the position for a few seconds. Try not to dip forwards.
- Slowly lower the left leg to the floor, keeping knees straight and extend both arms outwards
- Finish standing upright and arms out to the sides.
- Repeat for the other side of the body.
A Dance Routine to Exercise the Muscles
The dance students may need a reminder to practice the following:
- To move slowly throughout
- To keep the toes pointing outwards
- To breathe slowly and in rhythm with the dance steps
- To stop if any discomfort is experienced
Dance Instruction on the Adagio
The adagio is a dance sequence that practices proper breathing, centring and balance. With practice, the students may develop strength and coordination. A resource in the form of a hand-out demonstrating the step-by-step stages of the adagio will remind students on the sequence. More demanding moves may be incorporated into the adagio for more able dance students.
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