What Does en Croix Mean Ballet?

Ballet

When it comes to ballet, there are many specific movements and steps that must be mastered in order for a dancer to become proficient. One of these steps is the en croix, which is French for “cross-shaped”. En croix is a basic ballet step used in many combinations and can be found in almost any ballet routine.

The en croix movement starts with the dancer’s feet in first position, which is when the feet are turned out and the heels are touching. The dancer then lifts their arms above their head, keeping them slightly bent at the elbows and open at the palms of their hands.

The legs and arms then move together into an “X” shape, with one arm outstretched and the other tucked close to the body. The dancer then brings their arms back to first position as they bring their feet together in fifth position, which is when they are parallel and slightly apart from each other.

En croix steps can be done both traveling forwards or backwards, depending on what type of combination a choreographer has designed for a routine. It can also be combined with other steps such as grand battements (large kicks) or petit allegro (small jumps). En croix movements often appear at the beginning of a routine as an introduction or transition between sections.

En Croix is an essential part of any ballet routine and provides dancers with an opportunity to show off their technique by transitioning smoothly between steps while maintaining balance and gracefulness throughout the movement. By mastering this simple step, dancers can take their performance to new heights and impress audiences with their skillful execution of this classic ballet step.

Conclusion: What Does en Croix Mean Ballet? En Croix is a classic ballet step that involves forming an ‘X’ shape with the body while moving either forwards or backwards. It’s often used as a transition between other steps or as an introduction at the start of a routine, requiring balance, gracefulness, and technique from a dancer in order to properly execute.