What tempo and musical phrasing are expected in Cecchetti Grade 3?

• A. Movements should be performed as fast as possible with irregular counts.
• B. Tempo should be slow to avoid errors.
• C. Music is optional in Grade 3.
• D. Movements should be performed with clear counts, controlled tempo, and musical phrasing appropriate to the exercise.

Answer: (D)

In Cecchetti Grade 3, you’re learning to move with rhythm and musical shape. The emphasis is on performing with clear counts so you land each step on the right beat, and on a tempo you can control throughout the sequence. This steady footing lets you shape the movements as a musical phrase—giving each section its direction, dynamics, and cadence rather than rushing or lagging. While rushing to go faster or slowing to avoid mistakes disrupts the rhythm, a measured, musical approach keeps technique clean and expressive. Music is usually part of the practice to guide tempo and phrasing, so the expectation isn’t that music is optional. Therefore, movements should be performed with clear counts, controlled tempo, and musical phrasing appropriate to the exercise.