What Does Soubresaut Mean in Ballet?

Ballet

Soubresaut is a term used in ballet to describe a sudden, quick jump. It is a French word meaning “to jump up” and is also sometimes spelled ‘soubresault’.

The dancer performs the movement by quickly raising their center of gravity and then quickly dropping it back down. The soubresaut can be performed from a standing or sitting position, with the legs bent or straight, and with various arm positions. It is often used in choreography as an accent or punctuation mark, to emphasize certain moments in the music or to draw attention to the dancer.

The soubresaut is considered one of the basic movements of classical ballet technique. It requires strength and agility in order to be performed properly and with control.

The dancer must be able to move quickly and precisely in order to execute the movement correctly, while also maintaining balance and alignment throughout the jump. When preparing for a soubresaut, it is important for dancers to focus on developing strength in their legs, core, and arms.

The soubresaut can also be used as a transition between steps within a combination. For example, a dancer may use it to move from one side of the stage to another or from one level of elevation to another. This allows for more dynamic choreography and adds interest for both dancers and audience members.

Conclusion:

Soubresaut is an important movement in classical ballet that requires strength, agility, control, and precision. It can be used as an accent or punctuation mark within choreography as well as a transition between steps within a combination. With practice and training, dancers can master this challenging yet beautiful movement.