The ribbons are tied, the box is broken in, and you’ve mastered those essential relevés at the barre. The first thrilling year on pointe is behind you, and a new question begins to form: What's next? Transitioning from foundational exercises to your first real piece of choreography is a monumental and exciting step in any dancer's journey.
Choosing your first intermediate variation or piece of pointe work isn't just about picking a pretty tune. It's a strategic decision that can build your confidence, highlight your strengths, and set you up for technical success. This guide will help you and your teacher navigate this exciting new chapter.
The Green Light: Are You Ready?
Before you even browse a single variation, you and your teacher must be confident in your foundational skills. True readiness goes beyond just being able to stand on your toes. You should consistently demonstrate:
- Solid Core & Ankle Stability: No sinking into the hip or wobbling in the ankles during slow adagio exercises.
- Controlled Rolling Through the Foot: A clean, smooth demi-pointe to full pointe transition, and vice versa, without sickling.
- Secure Turns & Pivots: Ability to perform piqué, passé, and soutenu turns on flat with solid spotting and alignment, ready to be translated to pointe.
- Basic Pointe Proficiency: Consistent ability to hold passé and arabesque on pointe at the barre with proper placement.
What to Look for in a First Intermediate Variation
The perfect first piece will challenge you without overwhelming you. It should be a "step up," not a leap into the abyss. Here are the key ingredients to look for:
- Manageable Tempo: Look for adagio or moderately-paced variations. A slow and controlled piece allows you to focus on placement, balance, and artistry without the panic of keeping up with a frantic allegro. Think more Swanilda's "Prayer" act and less Kitri's fireworks.
- Clear, Uncomplicated Rhythms: A variation with a straightforward musicality (e.g., clear 3/4 or 4/4 time) makes it easier to internalize the rhythm and connect the steps musically.
- A Foundation in Steps You Know: The variation should be built on a framework of steps you're familiar with: piqué, chainés, soutenu, échappé, and simple développés. It might introduce one or two new elements, but the core vocabulary should feel like home.
- Minimal Gimmicks: Avoid variations that rely heavily on extreme backbends, multiple fouettés, or other advanced tricks. The focus should be on clean, classical technique.
Excellent Starting Points: Variations to Explore with Your Teacher
Here are a few classical variations renowned for being excellent bridges to intermediate work. Every version is different, so focus on the core qualities of the role.
- Bluebird (Sleeping Beauty, Princess Florine): While the male variation is famous for its brisés, Florine's variation is often a beautiful study in lightness, precision, and small jumps. It emphasizes brisk footwork, clean ballonné, and graceful port de bras.
- Paquita (Friends Variation): Many of the solos in the iconic Paquita suite are brilliant but demanding. The "Friends" variation, however, is often a fantastic choice. It typically features clean lines, balanced turns, and manageable jumps, all set to upbeat, clear music.
- Swanilda's "Prayer" (Coppélia, Act III): A gorgeous adagio variation that is all about sustained balances, beautiful développés, and expressive port de bras. It’s a perfect canvas for working on control, strength, and artistry.
- Lilac Fairy (Sleeping Beauty, Prologue): The epitome of regal, steady control. This variation is less about flashy steps and more about commanding presence, slow, controlled balances, and majestic port de bras. A wonderful challenge for core strength.
The Modern & Contemporary Path
Don't feel limited to the 19th-century classics! Many neoclassical and contemporary pieces can be excellent intermediate challenges. Look for works by choreographers like Balanchine that often emphasize speed and precision in the footwork, but may have simpler upper body lines. A contemporary piece can also be a great choice as it often focuses on weight transfer, floor work, and expressive movement, allowing you to work on a different aspect of your pointe work.
Your First Variation is a Conversation
Remember, your first variation is not just a test; it's a dialogue between you, the music, and the character. It's a tool for growth. The right variation will feel challenging yet achievable. It will have moments that make you nervous, but more moments that make you feel powerful and artistic.
Trust your teacher's guidance, be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and embrace the process. This is where the technique you've drilled at the barre finds its purpose—in the beautiful, storytelling art of dance. Now go find your music.
