What is the typical exam structure for Cecchetti Grade 2?

• A. Barre section, centre section, and petit allegro section; sometimes theory questions.
• B. Grand allegro only with improvisation.
• C. Rehearsal footage submission and viva voce.
• D. Barre only with no practical component.

Answer: (A)

The structure of a Cecchetti Grade 2 exam is built to test technique in stages, with a practical progression and a possible theory portion. It starts with a barre section, where you demonstrate clean fundamental technique at the barre—turnout, alignment, footwork, and precise port de bras—to show control before moving away from the barre. Next comes the centre section, which removes the support of the barre and focuses on balance, memory, tempo, musicality, and phrasing through adagio and turning or traveling sequences. Finally, the petit allegro section checks quick, light steps, clarity of beats, and accuracy in faster movement and jumps, all performed with control and clean technique.

Some exams may include brief theory questions to assess knowledge of terminology or movement names, adding a breath of understanding beyond the physical work. The other options don’t fit the typical Cecchetti Grade 2 format because they either omit the necessary practical components (barre, centre, and petit allegro) or replace the structure with elements not used at this level (such as grand allegro-only routines, rehearsal footage and viva voce, or barre-only without any centre work).