What Is a Brise in Ballet?

Ballet

A brise is a type of step used in ballet that combines the techniques of a grand jeté with a brisé volé, and it is usually done in a series of two or three jumps. The term “brise” comes from the French verb “briser” which means to break.

This step is also known as a split jump or split leap. It involves a dancer jumping up into the air and quickly splitting their legs apart while still in mid-air.

The brise is typically performed with the dancer’s hands held above their head, either crossed at the wrists or held out to their sides. The dancer then jumps off of one foot and splits their legs in opposite directions while keeping their arms raised. They then land on both feet with one leg straight and the other bent at the knee.

The brise is generally done with small steps between each jump, allowing for a smooth transition between leaps. It can be executed in any direction, either forwards or backwards, as long as it is done with control and precision. The legs should be kept close together during the execution of this step for maximum power and stability.

The brise can also be done in combination with other steps such as pirouettes, pas de basques, cabrioles, and fouettés to create more intricate choreographic patterns. This move can appear quite impressive when done properly by experienced dancers who have mastered its execution.

In conclusion, a brise is an impressive step used in ballet that combines elements of the grand jeté and brisé volé. It involves jumping off one foot while simultaneously splitting both legs apart mid-air before landing on both feet simultaneously.

The arms must be held above the head during this move to ensure proper form and stability. This move can be executed forwards or backwards and combined with other steps to create complex choreographic sequences. What Is a Brise in Ballet? A brise is an impressive step used by ballet dancers that combines elements of both grand jetés and brisés volés for maximum power and artistry.