What Does Sous Sus Mean in Ballet?

Ballet

Ballet is a beautiful art form that has been around for centuries. It is a complex and precise form of movement, requiring great skill and dedication to master.

One of the basic steps in ballet is the sous-sus, which translates literally to “under-over”.

The sous-sus is a step that involves balancing on one leg while quickly transferring weight from one foot to the other in an alternating pattern. This basic step helps dancers develop balance, coordination, and strength. It can be used in many different ways in ballet choreography, from simple exercises to more advanced combinations.

The term “sous-sus” originates from French terminology used by the early ballet masters such as Pierre Beauchamp and Jean-Georges Noverre. In their choreographic works, they often used this term to refer to the movement of quickly transferring weight from one foot to another while staying in a low position.

Sous-sus can be found throughout classical and contemporary ballet repertoire. In classical ballets such as Swan Lake or The Nutcracker, it is often used as part of a larger combination or phrase within the choreography. In contemporary pieces, it can be used as a way to transition between different movements or positions.

Overall, sous-sus is an important step in ballet that helps dancers develop balance, coordination and strength while also providing a way for them to express themselves creatively through movement.

In conclusion, ‘What Does Sous Sus Mean in Ballet?’ Sous sus means “under over” in French and refers to the quick transfer of weight from one foot to the other while staying low on the floor. It is an important step used by both classical and contemporary dancers alike for developing balance, coordination and strength as well as expressing themselves creatively through movement.