In a Cecchetti Grade 4 practical exam, what is the typical order of sections?

In a Cecchetti Grade 4 practical exam, what is the typical order of sections?

• A. Barre; Centre Work (Adagio and Petit Allegro); Across-the-floor Petit Allegro; Across-the-floor Grand Allegro; Pointe work if tested; Theory or viva voce as applicable.
• B. Barre; Centre Work (Adagio only); Across-the-floor Petit Allegro; Across-the-floor Grand Allegro; Theory or viva voce as applicable.
• C. Barre; Centre Work (Adagio and Petit Allegro); Across-the-floor Grand Allegro; Across-the-floor Petit Allegro; Pointe work if tested; Theory or viva voce as applicable.
• D. Barre; Across-the-floor work; Centre work; Pointe work; Theory.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the exam moves from a controlled base to more dynamic work, building technique step by step. Starting at the barre establishes posture, turnout, and alignment with a solid warm-up. Moving to Centre Work that includes both Adagio and Petit Allegro tests balance, line, and control in a sustained, graceful manner, while also ticking off quick, precise footwork. Then tackling Across-the-floor Petit Allegro allows the dancer to demonstrate accuracy and coordination in traveling steps on a larger surface, maintaining clean technique as speed increases. Following that with Across-the-floor Grand Allegro pushes elevation, breadth of movement, and musical timing in the most demanding sequences. Pointe work, if it’s being tested, fits after the floor work because it relies on a well-warmed, well-aligned body and solid technique. Finally, Theory or viva voce assesses the dancer’s knowledge and understanding, bringing the examination to a complete close. This ordering aligns with how Cecchetti exams are structured to progressively challenge the dancer while ensuring safety and coherence, which is why the described sequence is considered the best fit.

The main idea is that the exam moves from a controlled base to more dynamic work, building technique step by step. Starting at the barre establishes posture, turnout, and alignment with a solid warm-up. Moving to Centre Work that includes both Adagio and Petit Allegro tests balance, line, and control in a sustained, graceful manner, while also ticking off quick, precise footwork. Then tackling Across-the-floor Petit Allegro allows the dancer to demonstrate accuracy and coordination in traveling steps on a larger surface, maintaining clean technique as speed increases. Following that with Across-the-floor Grand Allegro pushes elevation, breadth of movement, and musical timing in the most demanding sequences. Pointe work, if it’s being tested, fits after the floor work because it relies on a well-warmed, well-aligned body and solid technique. Finally, Theory or viva voce assesses the dancer’s knowledge and understanding, bringing the examination to a complete close.

This ordering aligns with how Cecchetti exams are structured to progressively challenge the dancer while ensuring safety and coherence, which is why the described sequence is considered the best fit.