What is the typical length and pacing of center adagio and petit allegro phrases in Grade 4?

What is the typical length and pacing of center adagio and petit allegro phrases in Grade 4?

• A. Center adagio phrases are slow and held; petit allegro phrases are shorter and faster with multiple quick jumps.
• B. Center adagio phrases are fast; petit allegro phrases are slow.
• C. Center adagio phrases are slow and held with clear lines; petit allegro phrases are shorter and faster with multiple quick jumps.
• D. Adagio is performed with leaps only.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how tempo and phrasing differentiate center adagio from petit allegro in Grade 4. Adagio in the center is all about slow, controlled movement that reads as long, legato lines. It should feel steady, with the line held and visible, showing precision in alignment and turnout while you sustain each pose or extension. That’s why the description emphasizes slow and held with clear lines.

Petit allegro, on the other hand, moves quickly and lightly. The phrases are shorter and faster, featuring multiple quick jumps and clean, crisp beats. The tempo is brisk, and the jumps are executed with accuracy and rebound, keeping the steps compact and energized.

So the option that combines slow, held adagio with clear lines and quick, short, jumping petit allegro is the best fit. The other choices misstate the pace or key characteristics (for example, adagio isn’t fast, and petit allegro isn’t leaps-only).