What Does Grand Mean in Ballet?

Ballet

Grand is a term used to describe the most elaborate and complex movements in ballet. It is also used to refer to the largest jumps and turns. Grand steps, turns, and jumps are usually performed with a great deal of height, power, and speed.

Grand movements are often found in the grand allegro section of a ballet performance. This is when dancers perform multiple jumps and turns across the stage.

The grand movements that are seen during this section can include entrechats, pirouettes, chaines, arabesques, sissones, cabrioles, and saut de basques. All of these moves require a great amount of strength and skill from the dancer.

Grand steps are also seen in pas de deux (or duet) performances. This is when two dancers perform together in perfect harmony with each other’s movements. Pas de deux performances often include grand steps such as lifts or adagio movements that require both dancers to move in unison while holding each other’s hands or arms.

In addition to grand steps being part of larger ballets or performances, they can also be used as part of smaller ensembles or solo pieces as well. Solo pieces may include more intricate grand steps such as fouettes (turning on one foot). As fouettes require a great amount of balance and control from the dancer it is often considered one of the most impressive grand steps.

Conclusion:

Grand is an important term used in ballet to describe complex movements that require a great deal of skill from the dancer. Grand steps can be seen in both large ballets with multiple performers or smaller solo pieces where intricate footwork can be appreciated. Grand steps are often considered some of the most impressive elements of ballets due to their complexity and beauty.