What Does Sous Mean in Ballet?
Ballet is a timeless art form that has been around for centuries. It is known for its beautiful, graceful movements and the strength and discipline of its dancers.
One of the terms used in ballet is “sous”, which is French for “under”. This term refers to the way a dancer moves their feet and arms while performing certain steps.
In ballet, the feet are turned outwards from the hips and pointed so that they form a line with the legs. The arms are held in various poses depending on the step being performed. When a dancer performs sous, they move their arms and feet in an under-over motion.
This means that one foot will be placed under the other foot as if to cross over it, then move back so that both feet are side by side again. The same motion is done with the arms as well. This movement creates a wave-like effect with both body parts moving together in harmony.
Sous is an important concept in ballet because it helps create smooth transitions between steps. It allows dancers to move seamlessly from one step to another without having to pause or break their momentum. Additionally, sous helps dancers achieve balance and control while maintaining proper technique and form throughout their performance.
The term sous is often used when referring to a specific type of step or movement such as a glissade or pas de deux (a duet). In these cases, sous refers to the way the dancer moves their feet rather than just one specific position or pose. For example, when performing a glissade, the dancer may start with both feet side by side before crossing one foot over the other and then returning them back to their original positions in order for them to complete the step successfully
Sous is also used when referring to other aspects of ballet such as musicality and timing. In these cases, sous refers to how a dancer listens and responds to music while performing certain steps or choreography. This can include using steps like glissades or grand battements (large kicks) at particular moments within music that help emphasize certain beats or rhythms within it creating an overall more effective performance for both audience members and dancers alike
Ultimately, sous means “under” in French but this term has many different meanings within ballet depending on context and usage. Whether it be referring to a specific step or movement like glissades or pas de deux; musicality; balance; control; timing; or transitions between steps – all of these concepts involve some element of sous which makes it an important concept within ballet overall!
Conclusion: Sous has many meanings within ballet depending on context, but ultimately it refers to how a dancer moves their feet and arms while performing certain steps such as glissades or pas de deux as well as how they listen and respond to music while dancing choreography pieces – all of these concepts involve some element of sous which makes it an important concept within ballet overall!