What Is a Sous-Sus in Ballet?

Ballet

Sous-sus is a French term that translates to “under, over” and is used in ballet to describe a dancer’s body position. It is a fundamental concept of basic ballet technique and is used by instructors to help dancers understand how their bodies should be positioned while they are dancing.

The sous-sus position refers to the positioning of the arms and legs. The arms should be held parallel to the floor with the hands in a curved position.

The legs are either bent or slightly extended, depending on the movement that is being performed. The body should be slightly curved forward so that the dancer’s weight is evenly distributed across both feet. The head should also be held in line with shoulders, creating an overall line from head to toe.

The sous-sus position helps dancers maintain proper alignment and balance during movements such as jumps, leaps, turns, and various other steps. It helps them keep their center of gravity centered over their feet, which allows them to move more efficiently and effectively.

In addition, this position allows for greater control over each movement since it encourages dancers to keep their hips aligned with their chest and shoulders. This also helps dancers move more fluidly as they can easily transition from one movement to another without having to adjust their body position too much.

The sous-sus position is important for all levels of ballet students as it gives them an understanding of the basics of ballet technique and helps them maintain proper alignment during movements. It also serves as a reminder for experienced dancers to stay mindful of their body positioning throughout each step in order for them to execute each movement accurately and effectively.

In conclusion, ‘Sous-Sus’ is a French term used in ballet that describes the positioning of arms and legs when performing various steps or movements in ballet technique. It encourages dancers to keep their hips aligned with their chest and shoulders while lifting their chest up towards the ceiling in order for them to maintain proper alignment during each step they perform while dancing. By following this important concept of basic ballet technique, dancers can ensure they are executing each movement accurately which will help them become better dancers overall.