Ballet Steps & Concepts - Fundamental Techniques Part 2
Building on the fundamental positions, explore the elegant steps that grace the world's greatest stages. From delicate tendus to spectacular grand jetés, from controlled pirouettes to the seemingly effortless ballon of allegro work, discover the movements that bring ballet to life. Learn the essential concepts that guide every dancer's artistry and technical mastery.
Fundamental Ballet Steps
Pliés & Tendus
Plié
Meaning: "Bent"
A bending of the knees with the back held straight and the knees
tracking over the toes. Demi-plié (half bend) keeps the heels on
the floor, while grand plié (large bend) involves lowering until
the thighs are horizontal (except in second position). Pliés are
the foundation of all jumping and landing, developing strength
and control in the legs.
Tendu
Meaning: "Stretched"
The working foot slides along the floor from a closed position
until fully pointed, with the toe remaining on the floor. The
leg is fully extended and turned out. Tendus strengthen the feet
and legs, improve turnout, and are fundamental to almost every
ballet step.
Dégagé
Meaning: "Disengaged"
Similar to tendu, but the pointed foot lifts slightly off the
floor (approximately 2-4 inches). The movement is quick and
sharp, brushing through a tendu position. Dégagés develop speed
and precision in footwork.
Rises & Extensions
Relevé
Meaning: "Raised"
Rising onto the balls of the feet or onto pointe. Can be
performed from any position. A smooth relevé involves a
continuous rise, while a spring relevé uses a small jump to
reach the elevated position. Relevés build strength in the feet,
ankles, and calves.
Developpé
Meaning: "Developed"
The working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg,
then slowly extended (developed) to an open position in the air.
The movement should be smooth and controlled, showing the
unfolding of the leg. Developpés require exceptional strength
and control.
Grand Battement
Meaning: "Large beating"
A powerful throwing movement where the working leg is raised as
high as possible while keeping both legs straight and hips
square. The leg passes through tendu before lifting and returns
the same way. Grand battements develop strength, flexibility,
and the ability to maintain turnout at high extensions.
Jumps (Allegro)
Sauté
Meaning: "Jumped"
Any jump that begins and ends in the same position. The dancer
springs into the air from both feet and lands on both feet.
Proper pliés before takeoff and upon landing are essential.
Sautés can be performed in first, second, or fifth position.
Changement
Meaning: "Change"
A jump beginning in fifth position where the feet change
positions in the air, landing with the opposite foot in front.
The legs should beat together at the height of the jump before
changing. This develops quick footwork and coordination.
Échappé
Meaning: "Escaped"
Beginning in fifth position, the dancer springs into the air and
lands in second or fourth position. The feet literally "escape"
from the closed fifth position. Échappés can also be performed
as relevés without the jump.
Assemblé
Meaning: "Assembled"
A traveling jump where one leg brushes out while pushing off the
supporting leg. Both legs come together ("assemble") in the air,
and the dancer lands on both feet in fifth position. The
assemblé demonstrates coordination and the ability to travel
through space.
Jeté
Meaning: "Thrown"
A jump from one foot to the other where the working leg appears
to be thrown into the air. Petit jeté is a small jump, while
grand jeté is a large leap with the legs in a split position at
the peak. The grand jeté is one of ballet's most spectacular
movements.
Sissonne
Meaning: Named after its creator
A jump from two feet to one foot. The dancer springs from fifth
position and lands on one leg with the other extended in any
direction. Sissonne fermée closes in fifth, while sissonne
ouverte remains open. This jump requires excellent balance and
control.
Turns (Pirouettes)
Pirouette en Dehors
Meaning: "Turn outward"
A turn away from the supporting leg. For example, when standing
on the right leg, the turn rotates to the right. The working
foot is typically held at the knee in retiré position. En dehors
turns are generally considered easier than en dedans.
Pirouette en Dedans
Meaning: "Turn inward"
A turn toward the supporting leg. When standing on the right
leg, the turn rotates to the left. These turns are more
challenging as they move toward the working leg. They require
excellent balance and core strength.
Chaînés (Chaînés Déboulés)
Meaning: "Chains"
A series of quick half-turns executed one after the other,
traveling in a straight line or circle. Each turn is a half
rotation, creating a continuous spinning motion. The dancer
maintains relevé throughout and the turns should be smooth and
connected like links in a chain.
Fouetté
Meaning: "Whipped"
A spectacular turning step where the working leg "whips" around
to the side and back to retiré with each rotation. The most
famous example is the 32 fouettés in Swan Lake, a technical tour
de force. The whipping motion of the leg generates momentum for
each turn.
Essential Technical Concepts
En Croix
Meaning: "In the shape of a cross"
A sequence of movements performed to the front (devant), side (à
la seconde), back (derrière), and side again. This pattern is
fundamental to ballet training and appears in many barre
exercises.
Épaulement
Meaning: "Shouldering"
The placement of the shoulders in relation to the head and body,
creating three-dimensional positions. Proper épaulement gives
classical ballet its characteristic elegance and allows the dancer
to face various directions while maintaining beautiful lines.
Aplomb
Meaning: "Perpendicularity"
The dancer's stability and balance, the ability to hold positions
with perfect equilibrium. Aplomb requires proper alignment from
head to toe and is essential for all advanced technique,
especially turns and balances.
Ballon
Meaning: "Balloon"
The light, elastic quality in jumping that makes the dancer appear
to pause at the height of the jump before descending. Great ballon
creates the illusion of floating or bouncing effortlessly through
the air.
En Pointe
Meaning: "On the point"
Dancing on the tips of the toes in specially constructed pointe
shoes. This technique, primarily for women, creates an ethereal
quality and extended lines. Dancers typically begin pointe work
after years of training when the feet and ankles are strong
enough.
Allegro & Adagio
Allegro refers to fast, energetic movements and jumps. Adagio refers to slow, sustained movements that emphasize control, balance, and grace. Both are essential components of ballet class and performance, developing different aspects of technique.
Understanding Ballet Technique
Ballet technique is built on principles that have been refined over centuries. Each position and step serves a specific purpose in developing strength, flexibility, musicality, and artistry. The seemingly simple movements practiced at the barre form the foundation for the spectacular jumps and turns seen on stage.
For Dance Students: Mastering these fundamentals takes years of dedicated practice. Focus on quality over quantity— a well-executed tendu is more valuable than attempting advanced steps before you're ready. Always work within your current level of strength and flexibility to prevent injury.
For Ballet Enthusiasts: Understanding these technical elements deepens appreciation for ballet performances. When you watch a professional dancer execute 32 fouettés or soar through a grand jeté, you're witnessing the culmination of countless hours perfecting these fundamental movements.
Remember: every prima ballerina and principal dancer began with these same basic positions. The beauty of ballet lies not just in spectacular virtuosity, but in the purity and precision of its foundational technique.