.
Junior - Extension
Welcome to the Junior - Extension Syllabus, use the accordion to find your videos
Which exercise would you like to work on?
Start in centre, facing DSR, arms by sides in soldier position.
Dancers don’t need to perform the warmup at the same pace and counts don’t need to be ‘set’. However, if teachers wish for their dancers to work through the warmup altogether then teachers can set counts.
How dancers transition to and from the floor is the teachers choice.
Move 1 Six star jumps to DSR – feet jump out to second with arms clapping above head and then feet jump back into parallel first position with arms by sides. Repeat five more times
Move 2 Turn to face USR. Six tuck jumps – feet jump off the floor in parallel towards derriere, bending from the knees. Arms straight forward in straight jazz first with hands clasped. Repeat five more times
Move 3 Turn to face USL. Lay on back with legs stretched and feet pointed just off the floor.
Arms straight above head. Lift body into sit up position, bending knees in towards the chest at the same time the arms rotate straight towards the ceiling to reach hip level. Extend legs and body back out into dish position – arms stay at hip level.
Repeat the movement five more times, keeping arms at hip level
Move 4 Turn to face DSL. Six burpies – spring in air with feet parallel and arms above head in jazz fifth, palms facing forward. Bend down to crouch position with hands flat on floor. Jump feet out to plank position and then return to crouch position. Repeat five more times
REPEAT ABOVE FOUR MOVES TO EACH CORNER 5 TIMES EACH
REPEAT ABOVE FOUR MOVES TO EACH CORNER 4 TIMES EACH
REPEAT ABOVE FOUR MOVES TO EACH CORNER 3 TIMES EACH
REPEAT ABOVE FOUR MOVES TO EACH CORNER 2 TIMES EACH
REPEAT ABOVE FOUR MOVES TO EACH CORNER 1 TIME EACH
Stand up to face front with arms by sides to finish
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Strong arms in star Hands should connect together above head and back down to the legs each time
- Feet landing in parallel 1st position at the end of each star jump
- Elevation in all jumps working through the feet with articulation
- Strong and stable posture and arms at all times s
- A flat plank line in the burpee
- Maintained technique as they start to tire
Start in centre with feet in second parallel and arms by sides
1 – 8 Stretch forward into hamstring stretch with hands flat on the floor
1 – 8 Hold both hands around R ankle and move torso to stretch over the R leg
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS ON THE L
1 – 8 Maintaining hamstring stretch, place hands in front of feet and step feet into parallel first position
1 – 2 Bend knees, hands to remain flat on the floor
3 – 4 Stretch knees, hands to remain flat on the floor
5 – 6 Rise on demi pointe, hands to remain flat on the floor
7 – 8 Lower, hands to remain flat on the floor
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS
1 – 4 Crouch and extend legs out bringing body upright to sitting position. Legs are straight and head width apart
5 – 8 Stretch arms along floor in between legs, flattening back into hamstring stretch. Head down
1 – 2 Flex R foot, keeping L foot pointed. Upper body and arms remain stretched forward
3 – 4 Pointe R foot and flex L foot. Upper body and arms remain stretched forward
5 – 16 REPEAT ABOVE 4 COUNTS three more times
1 – 2 Sit up with tall back and reach L arm to jazz fifth with palm facing forwards and R arm by the side. Feet stretched
3 – 4 Flex R foot and reach L forward to hold flexed foot with open chest line and flat back
5 – 8 Sitting up, lift R foot off the floor, turning the torso to SR and stretching R arm to US. Head looks to SR
1 – 8 Bringing body back to the front lift the R leg into leg catch position holding the R ankle with both hands
1 – 16 REPEAT ABOVE 16 COUNTS ON OTHER SIDE
1 – 6 Place L leg on floor (legs head width apart) and stretch arms and torso over the legs into hamstring stretch
7 – 8 Sit up with tall back and hands resting on quadriceps
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Working through their feet and showing understanding of how to articulate when stretching and flexing
- Extension of the back of the knee in hamstring stretch to ensure connection with the floor
- Working heels off the floor in foot flex
- Extension through shoulders and upper back when holding toes with flexed feet
- Sitting up and out of the hips from the starting Aiming to lengthen the body over the legs when stretching forwards
- Vertical, parallel legs in standing hamstring stretches
- A long back, sitting up out of the hips in leg Bend from the elbows when holding leg
Start sitting on the floor in butterfly position with hands holding ankles
1 – 7 Hold butterfly position
8 Take arms above head into jazz fifth with palms facing inwards
1 – 7 Lower upper body forward over legs in butterfly position with arms straight and palms flat down on the floor. Head down
8 Return to starting position
1 – 2 Extend R leg out to seconde position with hands flat on floor in front
3 – 8 Hold
1 Take L arm to second. Head follows
2 – 8 Take L arm up and over the head, reaching towards flexed R foot. Hold the flexed toes with right hand. Head forward and body facing forwards. R hand flat on floor in front extended towards the left knee
1 – 7 Release L arm and pointe R foot. Turning the torso to stretch over the R leg. Arms outstretched either side of R leg
8 Return to starting position
1- 24 REPEAT ABOVE 24 COUNTS on other side
1 – 8 Extend both legs out to seconde position with hands flat on floor in front and fingers pointing forwards. Feet pointed
1 – 2 Flex feet
3 – 4 Pointe feet
5 – 16 REPEAT ABOVE 4 COUNTS three more times
1 – 8 Stretch forward aiming to get chest on floor and maintaining turnout. Head up and hands forward with palms flat on floor
1 – 8 Slide hands along floor to jazz second position while rotating the legs through into an inverted side split position. If a dancer needs help to rotate to inverted side splits, they can use their hands to help push them up an over (NOTE: if this is the case, careful the dancer doesn’t twist into a front split line)
1 – 8 Maintaining the torso and arm position, bend both knees into right angles so that toes are now pointing US and hold
1 – 4 Close legs to meet behind body and place hands by shoulders, elbows bent 5 – 8 Push back into prayer position and rest
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Lengthened spine in butterfly stretch
- Turnout and rotation in seconde position with stretched feet and the back of the knees connected to the floor
- Side torso stretches that have an open shoulder line to the front and the face is not hidden by the arm
- Maintained turn out in hips when reaching forwards in seconde position
Start in the centre, lying face down on floor facing SR. Hands flat on floor by shoulders and feet apart
1 – 8 Push up arching back and allow the head to look back towards the feet. Legs remain stretched and feet slightly apart
1 – 8 Bend from the knees and bring toes towards the head
1 – 4 Extend legs out and push hips towards the ceiling into downward dog position. Hands should remain where they were to allow for an open stretch 5 – 13 Hold
14 – 16 Lay back down into starting position, this time with feet together
1 – 8 Push up arching back and allow the head to look back towards the feet. Legs remain stretched and feet together
1 – 8 Keeping feet and knees together, bend from the knees and bring toes towards the head
1 – 4 Extend legs out with feet and legs together and push hips towards the ceiling into downward dog position. Hands should remain where they were to allow for an open stretch
5 – 13 Hold
14 – 16 Lay back down into starting position, feet together
1 – 4 Roll US onto back with arms rested on the floor in second position, legs extended and feet together
5 – 8 Hold
1 – 8 Lift legs off floor to extend towards the ceiling. Feet and knees together
1 – 8 Open legs out into middle split stretch with hands placed on inside of legs at lower calf height
1- 2 Bring hands to beside the head, palms on floor, fingers pointing towards your shoulders and elbows to ceiling. Bend knees and bring feet to flat on the floor near bottom, hip width apart
3 – 8 Push up into bridge position and hold
1 – 2 Pick up R leg and place foot next to L knee (retire position)
3 – 6 Hold
7 – 8 Kick and extend R leg to ceiling unfolding from the knee
1 – 2 Place R foot on floor back into bridge position and pick up L foot placing it on R knee (retire position)
3 – 6 Hold
7 – 8 Kick and extend L leg to ceiling unfolding from the knee
1 – 2 Place L foot on floor back into bridge position
3 – 4 Ease body back down onto the floor bending through elbows and knees
5 – 8 Bend knees into chest and wrap arms around legs. Rest
Dancers should demonstrate:
- An open chest line in their back stretch and shoulders shouldn’t lift
- Parallel feet in toe Feet should not cross over in back stretch when touching toes to head
- Feet and knees staying securely together in second set to enable an extended quad stretch
- Control and strength throughout ensuring clean transitions between moves
- Lift through the hips, pressing heels into the floor and opening out the back in downward dog
- Shoulders over the hands in bridge position
- Parallel feet in bridge and fingers pointed inwards towards heels
- Knees tracking over the toes in bridge
Start in the centre facing forward with hands on hips. Feet first parallel.
5- 8 Bend knees
& – 1 Saute spring
& – 2 Land in first parallel with bent knees and saute spring
& – 3 REPEAT
& – 4 REPEAT
5 Kneel on R knee
6 Roll towards R to face upstage
7 Continue roll kneeling up on left knee with R foot flat on floor
8 Stand up to parallel first position with hands on hips
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS TO THE LEFT
1 Saute spring into plie in second, hands clasped in front of body
2 Saute spring in second position extending the legs and pointing feet
3 – 6 REPEAT ABOVE TWO COUNTS TWICE MORE
7 Plie in second
8 Jump feet in parallel first
1 Jump R foot forward flat into parallel fourth position (lunge) with L knee bent behind and foot on demi pointe
2 Saute spring into the air swapping legs
3 Land with the L foot forward flat in parallel fourth position (lunge) with R knee bent behind and foot on demi pointe
4 – 6 REPEAT ABOVE TWO COUNTS TWICE MORE – LEFT THEN RIGHT
7 Land with the L foot forward flat in parallel fourth position (lunge) with R knee bent behind and foot on demi pointe
8 Jump feet in parallel first, arms by sides
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Working through the foot to full pointe on all saute springs
- Maintained control in upper body throughout
- Height/elevation in all springs
- Strength through arms with stable positions
Start lying face down on the floor towards SR. Arms stretched forward on the floor in fifth position with palms on floor & feet apart. Head up.
1 – 8 Lift up into ‘superman’ position. Feet and legs off the floor as high as possible, both remaining stretched. Arms off the floor as high as possible – hands flat with palms down
1 – 8 Arms and legs move up and down in a quick ‘swimming’ action. R arm and L leg lift up first and then swap to other arm and leg.
1 – 8 Maintaining the arch in your back, bend knees and catch around the outside of the legs at low shin height into ‘swallow’ position
1 – 8 Return to superman position and hold
1 – 2 Roll US onto back – keeping arms above the head and both arms and feet off the floor (dish position)
3 – 4 Continuing rolling US returning to superman position
5 – 8 Hold superman
1 – 8 Place elbows on floor and push body up into plank position – feet apart and hands together in fists – hold
1 – 2 Place R hand on floor and push up to straighten right arm
3 – 4 Repeat with L arm
5 – 8 Hold
1 – 2 Lower body through the elbows into push up position
3 – 4 Push back up to stretch arms
5 – 8 REPEAT PUSH UP
1 – 2 Slide legs around into a plie in second with hands remaining flat on the floor
3 – 4 Bring body upright to a vertical line. Clasp hands together in front of the body and spring, landing back into plie in second.
5 – 6 Hold plie position with arms clasped in front of body
7 – 8 Jump legs into first parallel with arms by sides
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Swimming action performed with strength and control through the whole body whilst moving the legs and arms as fast as possible
- Strong, straight arms in superman with control through body and legs
- Upper body and legs working to both evenly be lifted off the floor in superman position
- An open chest line at all times
- The entire quadricep connected with the floor in swallow position
Start laying on back facing SR, legs together and stretched with feet pointed and arms on floor beside body, palms facing down
1 – 4 Hold dish position – feet, arms and shoulders just off the floor
5 – 8 Dish ‘beats’ – cross R foot on top of L in a tight fifth position and then swap L. Work to fit as many small, controlled beats as possible into four counts
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS
1 – 4 Lay back down into start position and hold
5 Lift body into sit up position, bending knees in towards chest. Arms outstretched to first position with palms down
6 Extend legs and body back out into dish position
7 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE TWO COUNTS
1 Open legs out into a straddle position while lifting body upwards into a sit up position. Arms are placed straight out from shoulder line through the legs and with palms down
2 Bring legs and body back out into dish position
3 – 4 REPEAT ABOVE TWO COUNTS
5 – 8 Resume starting position and rest.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Working the spine into the floor for dish, keeping ribs closed
- Feet held together in parallel in dish Keep arms strong by side of legs, hands facing down to the floor
- Long neck when in dish position
- Dish beats kept tidy and small
Start sitting on the floor facing SL. Body resting back onto elbows with palms flat on floor. L leg bent with foot flat on floor and R leg extended with foot pointed.
1 – 2 Kick right leg towards ‘flexi spot’ and lower leg so that it finishes just off the floor
3 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE COUNTS THREE MORE TIMES
1 Lay on back stretching arms straight, keeping them on the floor by the side of the body, L leg remains bent
2 Kick R leg up into leg catch position, holding the leg at the ankle with both hands
3 – 4 Extend L leg out along the floor
5 – 7 Hold
8 Release the leg and carry around in a circular motion to connect with L leg. Arms open out to second on the floor and slide around to finish by sides of body
1 – 8 (Not shown on video) Bend the elbows and pull body up into starting position to prepare for the other side
1 – 24 REPEAT ABOVE 24 COUNTS ON THE L
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Kicking into the ‘flexi spot’ position which is the area between the shoulder and ear
- Keeping the chest line open whilst sitting on elbows with a long neck
- The whole body is in vertical alignment from working leg to supporting leg in leg catch position
- Maintained strength through the torso when kicking
Start facing the barre with feet in first parallel. Arms by sides
5 – 8 Prepare arms onto the barre
1 Plie
2 Kick L leg to attitude derriere (parallel), arching the head back towards the foot. Supporting (R) leg straight
3 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 2 COUNTS THREE MORE TIMES
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS ON THE OTHER LEG
1 – 2 Finish in a plie parallel first position and straighten
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Using the floor pressure in the brushing action to elevate kick
- Maintained parallel alignment through hips, torso and legs at all times
- Returning to a clean plie between each kick, ensuring feet are together and heels are flat
- Length through the neck and shoulders pressed down throughout
Start facing sideways to the barre with feet in second turned out. Arms in jazz second position. Feet should be distanced away so that inside arm (L) cannot touch the barre.
1 Plie in second, maintaining arms in jazz second
2 Transfer weight onto L stretched leg and place L hand on the barre, kicking R leg up into tilt position in second. R arm in high fifth position with palm facing outward
3 – 8 REPEAT THE ABOVE 2 COUNTS THREE MORE TIMES
1 Pointe R foot to second position with R arm in jazz second and L hand on the barre
2 Lift R knee up towards shoulder and hold back of the ankle with R hand
3 – 4 Extend R leg to a stretched leg tilt line, holding the ankle
5 – 7 Hold leg tilt position
8 Let go of R leg bringing feet into first turned out. Turn towards the barre and face other side. L arm by side of body and R arm on the barre.
1 – 16 REPEAT ABOVE 16 COUNTS ON THE L SIDE.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- A tilt line that shows the working leg ‘stacking’ on top of the supporting leg so that from the supporting heel to the top of the extended leg shows a vertical line
- Turnout through hips at all times when unfolding the leg into tilt
- Strength through the torso and arms to show clean lines
- Extension through the hamstring to ensure knees are fully pulled up
Start SL with body facing forward. Feet in first turned out with arms by sides. Class stands in a line one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete one set before starting.
Exercise should be completed one at a time.
1 Step L foot turned out and flat in front of R. R foot presses onto demi pointe. Hands in curved jazz first positio
2 Brush R foot through first turned out, kicking R leg into a high kick to second with arms in L (jazz fourth) position – left arm to high fifth with palm facing away and R arm to second position with palm facing down
3 – 4 Kneel on R knee and roll to face US
5 – 6 Continue roll kneeling up on L knee with R foot flat in front to stand up to parallel first position
7 – 8 Star jump
1 – 8 REPEAT EXERCISE
REPEAT UNTIL DANCER REACHES SR. Dancers should aim to complete at least three full sets before preparing on the other side.
After all dancers have completed exercise, class repeats exercise on L.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Kick placed in front of the arm when kicking to second
- Brushing through the floor in first concentrating on floor pressure before the kick
- Using the hamstrings to develop height in the kick
- The body lifted out of the floor, spine is long and shoulders are down when rolling on the floor
- Strong arms in star Hands should connect together above head and back down to the legs each time
- Control through the torso and arm lines throughout with a focus on correct placement
Start US facing front. Feet in first turned out with arms by sides. Exercise should be completed in pairs. Students should wait for the pair before them to complete the full exercise before starting.
5 – 8 Prepare arms to second and pointe L foot to second position. Arms remain in second throughout the exercise
1 Demi plie in second position
2 Fan kick the R leg and stretch L leg
3 – 4 Land the kick by stepping towards DSL on R leg on demi pointe. Then step across in front with L leg on demi pointe
5 Step R into demi plie
6 Fan kick the L leg and stretch R leg
7 – 8 Land the kick by stepping towards DSR on L leg on demi pointe. Then step across in front with R leg on demi pointe
1 – 8 REPEAT THE ABOVE 8 COUNTS (5 – 8 next pair prepares)
1 Step L foot in to meet R foot to parallel first position. Arms by sides
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Square hips throughout the exercise
- Arms controlled and stable in second position throughout
- Brushing through the floor in first concentrating on floor pressure before the kick
- Using the hamstrings to develop height in the kick
- Control through the torso throughout the exercise
Start SR with feet in first parallel and arms by sides. Body faces SL. Class stands in a line one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete one set before starting, exercise should be completed one at a time.
1 – 8 Preparation position – Arms stretch straight forward and up to jazz fifth position. Palms face towards each other. R foot pointes forward in parallel devant
1 – 2 Step onto R leg, bringing body forward to place hands flat on the floor in front of R foot. Kick L leg to derriere into a penche kick
3 – 4 As L leg steps down return body and arms to preparation position
5 – 6 Step onto R leg bringing body forward and rotating it to face DS to place hands flat on the floor with fingers also pointing DS. L leg kicks up to penche and rotates in circularmotion (illusion) towards SL. At the end of the illusion the dancer should be facing towards SR with both knees bent, closing the L leg under so the knee is placed by the R foot. Body rests on heel.
7 – 8 Roll on the floor turning US towards R, with knees bent up and feet pointed. Continue the roll to kneel facing SL on R knee and L foot steps flat onto floor turned out. Standing up, bring arms to jazz second position with R foot behind L
1 – 2 Step forward with R foot flat on floor and turned out. Brush L foot through first position and kick to devant towards flexi spot
3 – 4 REPEAT ABOVE TWO COUNTS ON THE OTHER LEG
5 Bring R foot down to meet L in parallel first position. Arms by sides
6 Hold
7 – 8 Pointe R foot forward and turn out L. Arms stretch straight forward into jazz fifth position
1 – 16 REPEAT EXERCISE
After all dancers have completed exercise, class repeats steps on the L.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Engaged arm muscles to hold the arms in strong and controlled positions
- Arms in a strong fifth position, with palms facing inwards
- Brushing through first position and using the floor pressure to push off into the kick
- The kick using the hamstring to show height and strength
- Supported upper body throughout
- The body lifted out of the floor, spine is long and shoulders are down when rolling on the floor
- The ‘illusion’ performed in a fan like/circular motion
- Using the accent of the arms to help bring body back up in with speed in between each penche kick
- The penche and devant kicks are executed with square hips and stretched supporting and extended legs
Start SL with body facing forward. Feet in first parallel with arms by sides. Class stands in a line one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete one set before starting, exercise should be completed one at a time.
1 Step R foot to second turned out with arms in second position
2 Step L foot flat in front of R. R foot presses onto demi pointe. Hands in curved jazz first position
3 – 4 Brush R foot through first, kicking R leg into a high tilt kick to second with arms in L (jazz fourth) position – R arm to high fifth with palm facing away and L arm to second position with palm facing down
5 – 6 Kneel on R knee and roll to face US
7 – 8 Continue roll kneeling up on L knee with R foot flat in front to stand up to parallel first position facing DS
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE EXERCISE
REPEAT EXERCISE MULTIPLE TIMES TO FINISH SR. Dancers should aim to complete three full sets before finishing and preparing to commence on the other side.
After all dancers have completed exercise, class repeats steps on the L.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Engaged arm muscles to hold the arms in strong and controlled positions
- Arms in a strong fifth position, with palms facing inwards
- Brushing through first position and using the floor pressure to push off into the kick
- The kick using the hamstring to show height and strength
- Supported upper body throughout
- The body lifted out of the floor, spine is long and shoulders are down when rolling on the floor
- A tilt line that shows the working leg ‘stacking’ on top of the supporting leg so that from the supporting heel to the top of the extended leg shows a vertical line
Starting facing the barre with feet first parallel, arms by sides
5 – 8 prepare arms to the barre
1 Rise on demi pointe with straight knees
2 Lower heels back to floor
3 – 16 REPEAT ABOVE 2 COUNTS
1 Bring R foot to high retire position parallel and rise on L foot
2 Lower L heel back to floor
3 – 7 REPEAT ABOVE 2 COUNTS
8 Hold count 7 (rise)
1 – 6 Take arms off barre to curved jazz first position and balance
7 Place hands back on barre
8 Lower R foot to parallel first position with both heels flat & Lift L leg to high retire parallel
1 – 16 REPEAT ABOVE 16 COUNTS ON L LEG
Dancers should demonstrate:
- A high demi pointe at all times
- Core posture alignment
- Pulling up legs and finding extension through backs of knees
- Finding resistance when lowering the heels
- Arms in high curved jazz first for balance
- Working towards the highest retire possible without lifting hips
NOTE: this exercise is performed with a partner
Working dancer: Start facing sideways to the barre with feet in first turned out. Left arm on barre and right arm by side of body.
Second dancer: stands diagonally behind their partner, feet first parallel and arms by their side.
1 – 4 Pointe R foot diagonally forward (towards dancers L diagonal) with toes touching the floor and a bent supporting knee. Bring R arm up to curved jazz first
5 – 8 Circle R leg around, keeping toes connected with the floor, to second position carrying the arm to jazz second and straightening supporting leg
1 – 4 Circle R leg back to L front diagonal, keeping toes connected with the floor and a bent supporting knee. Bring R arm back to curved jazz first
5 – 8 Circle R leg around, keeping toes connected with the floor, to second position carrying the arm to jazz second and straightening supporting leg
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS
1 – 7 Left R leg to second (90 degrees) and hold. Partner holds the underneath of the R leg
8 Bend supporting L leg
1 – 2 Bend a little deeper into L leg
3 – 4 Straighten L leg
5 – 6 Rise on L
7 Lower
8 Bend supporting L leg
1 – 24 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS THREE MORE TIMES
1 – 8 Partner releases leg. Close into first position turned out and bring R arm down to side of body
1 – 16 Partners change positions ready to repeat exercise
After both dancers have completed R side turn and complete exercise on the L
Dancers should demonstrate:
Dancer:
- Maintain posture and correct alignment throughout
- Control and strength through arm lines and torso
- Strength when supporting leg in second off the floor
Partner:
- Helping assist the dancer to control placement of the They should not be supporting the leg and taking all the weight
NOTE: Only one pirouette option will be shown in the exam and is teachers’ choice. It is recommended to practice both options in class
Starting US facing front with feet first parallel, arms by sides.
1 – 2 Step forward into pirouette prep position with L foot flat, arms in jazz third and R foot behind on demi pointe
3 – & Execute a single or double pirouette on the R bringing right foot up to retire position and arms in curved jazz first
4 Step R foot to second on demi pointe with arms in jazz second
5 – 6 Plie in second lowering heels, arms remain in jazz second
7 – 8 Close R foot into parallel first position with arms by sides
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS ON L SIDE
1 – 16 REPEAT FULL EXERCISE TWICE MORE
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Preparation for pirouette with legs in Back leg should be bent with the quadricep vertical, drawing a line from the hip to the knee
- Back foot on highest demi pointe in preparation position
- Strength in arms when in jazz third with muscles engaged
- A closed rib cage and centred Back should be completely flat and vertical
- Arms in curved jazz first when in pirouette position should be chest height
- Spotting technique to ensure clean turns
NOTE: Only one pirouette option will be shown in the exam and is teachers’ choice. It is recommended to practice both options in class
Start SL with body facing forward. Feet in first parallel with arms by sides. Class stands in a line one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete full exercise before starting.
1 Chasse plie the R foot out, turning out the hips bringing arms up into jazz second position
2 Place L foot behind R, both feet on demi pointe, arms by sides
3 Step to second position on demi pointe with R foot, arms remain by sides
4 Step L foot forward flat into pirouette prep position, arms in jazz third and R foot behind on demi pointe
5 – 6 Execute a single pirouette on the R bringing right foot up to retire position and arms in jazz first
7 – 8 Step R foot out into second position on demi pointe. Arms move to jazz second
1 – 8 REPEAT THE ABOVE 8 COUNTS EXECUTING A DOUBLE PIROUETTE. Move to
SR to prepare to complete the exercise on the L side.
After all dancers have completed exercise, class repeats exercise on the L.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Working onto highest demi pointe in pas de bourree
- Preparation for pirouette with legs in Back leg should be bent with the quadricep vertical, drawing a line from the hip to the knee
- Back foot on highest demi pointe in preparation position
- Strength in arms when in jazz second & third with muscles engaged
- A closed rib cage and centred Back should be completely flat and vertical
- Arms in curved jazz first when in pirouette position should be chest height
- Spotting technique to ensure clean turns
Start SL with body facing forward. Feet in first turned out with arms by sides. Class stands in a line one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete two sets before starting, exercise should be completed one at a time.
1 – 2 Chasse plie the R foot out, maintaining turn out and bringing arms up into jazz second position
3 – 4 Bring L foot in to meet R foot in first turned out on demi pointe. Arms in curved jazz first
5 – 6 Chasse plie the R foot out, maintaining turn out and bringing arms up into jazz second position. Turn head to SR
7 – 8 Bring L foot in to meet R foot in first turned out on demi pointe and execute a clockwise turn. Arms in curved jazz first.
1 – 8 REPEAT EXERCISE UNTIL YOU REACH SR where you’ll line up ready to complete the exercise on the other side. Dancers should aim to complete at least three full sets.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- A closed rib cage and centred Back should be completely flat and vertical
- Arms in curved jazz first should be chest height
- Working onto highest demi pointe in turn
- Spotting technique to ensure clean turns
- Strong arms throughout
Start USL with feet in first parallel and arms by sides. Face DSL. Dancers line up one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete one full set before starting, exercise should be completed one at a time.
5 – 8 Prepare arms to curved jazz first with the R foot pointed in front and supporting foot turned out
1 – 2 Gallop on the R foot, maintaining curved jazz first with the arms
3 Step L foot in front
4 Grande jete on R leg with L arm forward in arabesque line
5 Step L foot in front. Back R foot on demi pointe. Arms in curved jazz first
6 Grande jete on R leg with L arm forward in arabesque line
7 – 8 Step L foot in front. Bring R foot to meet L in parallel first. Arms by sides
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS UNTIL DANCER REACHES DSR. Dancers should aim to complete at least three full sets. Once complete, move to line up USR ready to complete the exercise on the L.
After all dancers have completed exercise, class repeats exercise on the L.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Support and control in the upper body and arms
- Using the bend before the jump to help increase elevation
- A square split line in the leap
- Stretched knees and feet in leap
- A clean gallop in preparation
Start USL with feet in first parallel and arms by sides. Face DSL. Dancers line up one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete one full set before starting, exercise should be completed one at a time.
5 – 8 Prepare arms to curved jazz first with the R foot pointed in front and supporting L foot turned out
1 – 2 Four runs R,L,R,L towards DSR. Arms to remain in curved jazz first
3 – 4 Kick R leg out and jump off L foot into tilt jump position (showing legs in a diagonal line, with the R leg high and the L leg low). Bring the torso to face DS. L arm in second position and R arm in high fifth with palm facing away from body.
5 – 6 Land on L foot and kneel on R knee, rolling to face US
7 – 8 Continue roll kneeling up on L knee with R foot flat in front to stand up to parallel first position facing DSR. Arms by sides
1 – 8 REPEAT ABOVE 8 COUNTS UNTIL DANCER REACHES DSR. Dancers should aim to complete at least three full sets. Once complete, move to line up USR ready to complete the exercise on the L.
After all dancers have completed exercise, class repeats exercise on the L.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Support and control in the upper body and arms
- The tilt jump showing the legs in a diagonal line
- Using the bend before the jump to help increase elevation
- Using the hamstring to help push the legs for more height
- The body lifted out of the floor, spine is long and shoulders are down when rolling on the floor
- Feet connected with the floor and stretched when rolling
Start SL with body facing forward. Feet in first turned out with arms by sides. Class stands in a line one behind the other. Each student waits for dancer in front to complete two sets before starting, exercise should be completed one at a time.
5 – 8 Prepare arms to classical third with R foot pointed in front and supporting foot turned out. Turn head to SR
1 – 2 Step R foot to second opening the arms out into jazz second with classical hands. Meet L foot to R and execute a low chasse turn to the R bringing arms into curved jazz first.
3 – 4 Facing SR kick the R foot to high devant into the ‘flexi spot.’ Arms in ‘L’ position – L arm in high fifth with palm away and R arm in second with palm down
5 – 6 Step R foot down to SR
7 – 8 Bring L foot to R into parallel jazz first. Bring arms down to the sides of body and face DS
1 – 8 REPEAT THE ABOVE 8 COUNTS UNTIL DANCER REACHES SR. Dancers should aim to complete at least three full sets. Once complete, move to line up SR ready to complete the exercise on the L.
After all dancers have completed exercise, class repeats exercise on the L.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Using the hamstrings to create power in the Dynamic energy and power will be required to complete the turning jete
- Correct body alignment and awareness, ensuring that the upper body remains strong and upright in the kick and that directions are correct
- Clean arm lines
Start SL with body facing SR. Arms by sides with feet in first parallel. Exercise should be completed in pairs, with the back person standing one step closer to SR (diagonal to the front person). Pairs should complete the exercise on R & L before the next pair starts.
5 – 8 Bring arms to curved jazz first
1 Demi plie
2 Kick R leg to devant towards the ‘flexi spot’ with supporting leg straight. Arms in a high V position with palms facing outwards
3 Bring R foot back down to meet L in first parallel, demi plie. Arms in curved jazz first
4 Kick L leg to attitude derriere with arms in a high V, palms facing outwards. Head arches back towards the foot
5 Bring L foot back down to meet R in first parallel, demi plie. Arms in curved jazz first
6 Spring off the floor taking arms to high V with palms facing outwards
7 Land feet in first parallel in demi plie. Arms in curved jazz first
8 Straighten knees. Arms in curved jazz first
1 – 7 REPEAT ABOVE 7 COUNTS
8 Hold
1 – 2 Walk R, then L with bent knees. Arms remain in curved jazz first
3 Kick R leg to devant towards the ‘flexi spot’ with supporting leg straight. Arms in a high V position with palms facing outwards.
4 Place R foot down in front turned out in an open fourth position and knees slightly bent. Arms in curved jazz first
5 Kick L leg to attitude derriere with straight supporting R leg. Arms in a high V with palms facing outwards. Head arches back towards the foot
6 Lower the L leg as both knees bend to bring L knee to the floor beside R foot. Body rests on L heel and R knee is by R shoulder.
7 – 1 Roll on the floor turning towards R, with knees bent up and feet pointed. Facing US continue the roll to kneel on R knee and L foot steps flat onto floor parallel.
2 – 4 Standing up on L foot bringing the R foot to close in parallel first. Arms by sides
5 – 8 Hold
1 – 32 REPEAT THE ABOVE 32 COUNTS TO THE L
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Using the hamstrings to create power in the devant Dynamic energy and power will be required to complete the firebird jump
- Body alignment and awareness throughout the Ensure that the upper body remains strong and upright in the devant kick
- Support and control in the upper body and arms
- The body lifted out of the floor, spine is long and shoulders are down when rolling on the floor
- Feet are connected with the floor and stretched when rolling
The video demonstrates an example of a combination for Junior Extension level. Teachers may choose to use all of these steps in this combination, parts of them or teach their own choreography. The choice of steps should be inspired by using elements within the syllabus plus own choreography. Combination to be no shorter than 30 seconds and no longer than 1 minute.
Dancers should demonstrate:
- Musicality and style
- Clean lines, shapes and technique
- Confidence, musicality and style
- Dynamic movement
