Retiré en l’Air and Italian Changements: How to Do These Advanced Ballet Allegro Steps
Retiré en l’Air and Italian Changements are advanced classical ballet jumps that develop speed, elevation, coordination, and precision. These steps are commonly taught in Cecchetti, Italian, and advanced classical ballet training, and they frequently appear in allegro combinations and virtuoso footwork. When taught clearly, as seen in Jacklyn Dougherty’s ballet tutorial videos, these movements become powerful tools for building clean, articulate technique.
What Is Retiré en l’Air in Ballet?
Retiré en l’Air is a jump in which one leg lifts to retiré position while airborne, then returns to fifth position on landing. Unlike a simple changement, retiré en l’air adds leg articulation and timing, requiring strong coordination and control.
How to Do Retiré en l’Air
- Start in fifth position, legs fully crossed and turned out.
- Execute a deep demi-plié, keeping heels grounded.
- Push upward into a vertical jump.
- In the air:
- Lift one leg to retiré (toe placed at the knee of the supporting leg).
- The supporting leg remains straight and turned out.
- Return the lifted leg quickly to fifth position.
- Land softly in demi-plié, maintaining turnout and balance.
- Repeat, alternating legs.
Technical Focus
- Sharp, clean retiré action
- Strong core to keep the jump vertical
- Silent, controlled landings
- Clear timing between lift and return
What Are Italian Changements?
Italian Changements are fast, highly articulate changements that often include multiple rapid foot changes, sometimes accented by beats or rhythmic patterns. These are rooted in the Italian and Cecchetti traditions, emphasizing brilliance, speed, and clarity rather than height alone.
How to Do Italian Changements
- Begin in fifth position with arms in preparatory or first.
- Take a quick, elastic demi-plié.
- Jump vertically with minimal travel.
- In the air:
- Change the feet rapidly, sometimes more than once.
- Legs remain tightly crossed and fully stretched.
- The change is crisp and precise.
- Land in fifth position with the opposite foot front.
- Continue in quick succession as part of an allegro phrase.
Technical Focus
- Speed over height
- Clean fifth positions
- Fast foot articulation
- Continuous rhythm and musicality
Retiré en l’Air vs Italian Changements
| Retiré en l’Air | Italian Changements |
|---|---|
| One leg lifts to retiré | Feet change rapidly |
| Emphasis on coordination | Emphasis on speed |
| Clear leg shape in air | Compact, brilliant jumps |
| Often slower tempo | Fast allegro tempo |
Both steps demand strong plié, turnout, and control, and are often taught together in advanced training.
Common Mistakes
- Rushing the retiré before full elevation
- Losing fifth position on landing
- Jumping forward instead of straight up
- Sacrificing turnout for speed
Jacklyn Dougherty Teaching Insight
In Jacklyn Dougherty’s ballet demonstrations, these steps are shown with clarity and efficiency, allowing dancers to see the exact timing of the legs in the air. Her teaching emphasizes precision before power, making advanced allegro accessible to dancers of all levels.
To watch Retiré en l’Air, Italian Changements, and hundreds of other ballet terms clearly demonstrated, visit Jacklyn Dougherty’s YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@JacklynDougherty
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Jacklyn Dougherty and Dr. Joni Dougherty Ed.D
