A coupe is a ballet step that involves one or both feet quickly brushing the floor and then quickly leaping off the floor again. It is also referred to as a brush or brush-off. The coupe can be performed in both demi-plie and grande plie, with the latter being the most difficult.
The coupe can be used to emphasize a phrase of music, particularly at the end of a phrase. It is also used in combinations such as pirouettes, fouettes, and piques.
When performing a coupe, the dancer must execute it with precision and power in order to achieve maximum effect. The push off must be strong and fast with the feet brushing against each other as they land.
A variation of the coupe is known as the ‘coupé-jeté’, which combines the coupe with a jump. In this step, once one foot brushes against the floor, it pushes off for a split second before leaping up into a jeté — an arabesque-like jump where one leg extends behind while in midair.
Conclusion
The coupe is an important step in ballet that requires precise execution and strength from dancers to achieve maximum effect. While it can be performed alone or combined with other steps such as jeté or pique, understanding how to perform it correctly is essential for any dancer hoping to excel in their craft.