What Is a Degage in Ballet?

Ballet

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. In terms of footwork, it is typically done by lifting the working leg slightly away from the standing leg and then leading it back into the next step.

This technique allows for grace and fluidity when transitioning between steps, making it an important part of any dancer’s repertoire. When done correctly, it also helps create interesting patterns in a dancer’s movement.

Degage can also be used in arm movements. In this case, the arms are lifted away from the body with the palms facing upwards.

They are then brought back down to their original position while maintaining an open posture. This type of degage helps create beautiful lines in a dancer’s arms while they are performing.

The ultimate goal of using degage in ballet is to produce elegant lines and transitions between steps or movements. It requires careful control and precision to execute correctly, so it is important that dancers practice this technique regularly in order to master it.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, degage is an important ballet technique that involves lifting one leg or arm away from the other to create graceful transitions between steps or movements. It requires careful control and precision to execute correctly, so it is important for dancers to practice this technique regularly in order to master it.