Efface means ‘erase’ or ‘wipe away’ in ballet, and is a movement used to draw attention to the dancer’s arms, head, and upper body. It is one of the most difficult steps to master in ballet and requires a great deal of strength, flexibility, and control.
The efface step begins with the dancer standing in fifth position, with feet turned out at 45 degrees. The dancer then draws her arms up into second position as she lowers her head slightly between her arms. The arms should be held up and out at shoulder level so that the hands are pointing forward.
The next step of the efface involves pushing off from fifth position with legs turned out at 90 degrees and jumping into the air. While in mid-air, the dancer quickly brings both arms up over their head as if erasing or wiping away something from sight. As they land back on their feet in fifth position, the arms are brought back down and into second position again.
The efface can be used to transition between various steps or movements during a dance routine, such as turning jumps or pirouettes. It is also possible to use it as an isolated movement on its own for creative purposes within a performance. In either case, it is important for dancers to ensure that they have a good level of strength and control over their movements before attempting more complex steps involving the efface technique.
Efface is an important element of classical ballet that adds grace and beauty to any routine. By combining strength, flexibility, control and coordination into this one step, dancers can create stunning displays that captivate audiences around them. Mastering this technique can take time but can greatly enhance any performance when done correctly.
What Does Efface Mean Ballet?
Efface means ‘erase’ or ‘wipe away’ in ballet, which is used to draw attention to the dancer’s arms, head, and upper body by combining strength, flexibility and control with jumps or pirouettes for creative purposes within a performance. Mastering this technique requires time but can greatly enhance any performance when done correctly by creating stunning displays that captivate audiences around them.