A chasse is a ballet step that has been used in the art form for centuries. It is a movement where one foot quickly passes the other in a sweeping motion, often to travel across the stage. The word ‘chasse’ itself is French and means ‘to chase’, which perfectly describes the graceful, yet determined quality of this step.
The chasse is usually performed as an adagio move – that is, at a slow speed with smooth transitions. This emphasises the beauty of the movement and allows dancers to demonstrate their control and balance. The use of the chasse can be seen in many classical ballets, from Giselle to La Bayadère.
The chasse can be performed in different directions – for example, frontwards or backwards – as well as travelling sideways or diagonally across the stage. It can also be used as part of larger combinations of steps, such as pirouettes and jetés. As with any ballet step, it requires practice and dedication to perfect.
Different Variations
Within ballet there are several variations of the chasse that have been developed over time by different choreographers. These include:
- Closed Chasse: This version of the step begins with both feet together before one foot passes in front or behind the other.
- Open Chasse: The dancer starts this variation with one foot already extended in front or behind them before closing their feet together again.
- Changement Chassé: This combines two chasses performed consecutively but alternating between leading with each foot.
Chasse Sequence
In some ballets there may be an extended sequence of chasses which requires more intricate footwork and control from the dancer. This could involve multiple turns and changes of direction while still performing each chasse in unison with the accompanying music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a chasse is a beautiful ballet step which has been around for centuries. It involves one foot passing quickly over or behind the other to travel across stage – usually at slow speed – and comes in several variations for more complex combinations.
9 Related Question Answers Found
Chasse, meaning “to chase” in French, is a step used in ballet that is typically performed as a traveling step. In ballet, chasse can be used to move the dancer across the stage or in circle patterns, often with the arms and legs working together in harmony. The most common type of chasse is a three-part step that begins with a plie, followed by a quick change of weight from one side to the other, and then finishes with an extension of the leg away from the body.
Ballet Chasse is a form of dance that is characterized by quick, graceful and precise movements. It originated in the late 19th century, in response to the development of classical ballet techniques. Ballet chasse is often used to add variety and complexity to a choreography, and can be used in both solo and group performances.
Ballet is an art form that has been around since the 15th century when it was first introduced in Italy. The word ballet comes from the French word ‘chasse’, which means to run or to chase. This is a reference to a type of dance step known as the chasse.
A Valse is a type of dance found within the genre of ballet. It is a French term meaning ‘waltz’, and it is characterized by its light and flowing movements, executed with grace and elegance. The tempo of the music for a Valse is usually quite slow, around 60 to 70 beats per minute.
Ballet is an art form renowned for its beauty, grace and elegance. It is one of the oldest forms of dance in the world, having originated in Italy during the 16th century. As a dance, ballet is known for its highly technical and intricate movements that require years of dedicated training and practice to perfect.
A sauté in ballet is a jump with the body bent slightly forward from the hips, and the legs extended behind. It’s a vigorous leap that creates an impression of energy and power. The sauté is performed by pushing off with one foot, while keeping the other foot in contact with the floor.
An echappé sauté is a fundamental move in the art of ballet. It is a jumping movement, where the dancer leaps from one foot to the other while maintaining control and balance. The term echappé is French for “escape” and sauté mean “jump”, so together they form a single word meaning “escaping jump”.
A glisse is a common move in ballet that helps create smooth transitions between steps. It is a sliding action in which one foot slides across the floor while maintaining contact with the ground. The glisse can be done in a variety of directions, such as forward, backward, or side-to-side.
A degage is a ballet term for a movement that involves the lifting of one leg away from the other. This technique is used to give a dancer’s body more flexibility and range of motion, as well as to help them make graceful transitions between steps. The word ‘degage’ originates from the French phrase “dégagé,” meaning “to disengage. “
In ballet, degage can be used in both feet and arms.
