A soutenu is a basic ballet step that is often used in combinations and transitions. It is a movement that involves the dancer turning from one foot to the other while keeping their arms in the same position.
The soutenu requires both strength and flexibility, as the dancer must be able to keep their balance while turning and bring their feet together in perfect alignment.
The soutenu can be performed with either a forward or backward turn, with some variations including a closed, open, or half-turn. When performing a forward soutenu, the dancer will begin by transferring their weight onto one leg while keeping their arms at shoulder level.
They then turn 180 degrees on the ball of their supporting foot and bring the other leg into a fifth position facing forward. The arms remain stationary throughout this movement.
When performing a backward soutenu, the same principles apply except that instead of turning 180 degrees forward, the dancer will turn 180 degrees backward before bringing their feet into fifth position facing away from them. This requires even more balance and control than a forward soutenu as it involves more body rotation.
The soutenu is often used in combination with other steps such as pas de bourree or grand battement to create smoother transitions between movements or add complexity to jumps and turns. It can also be used to transition between different levels of elevation or speed without disrupting the flow of movement.
Conclusion:
What Is a Soutenu in Ballet? A soutenu is an essential ballet step which requires strength and flexibility for successful execution.
It involves turning from one foot to another while keeping arms stationary and can be performed both forwards and backwards. The soutenu is frequently used in combination with other steps for smoother transitions between movements or for added complexity during jumps and turns.
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Soutenu is a step in ballet that is used frequently in both the adagio and allegro sections of a dance. The soutenu is a turn on one leg, with the other leg extended in the air, and is done with one arm held high. It can be performed by both men and women, and is an important skill for the dancer to master.
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The soutenu turn is a classic ballet move that requires grace, skill, and perfect balance. It is a turning movement that begins with a plié, or bending of the knees, then transitions into a full turn. The dancer will continue to turn as they rise to relevé, or standing on their toes.
Ciseaux is a type of leap or jump in ballet that requires a great deal of skill and strength to perform. It is often used to create dramatic, captivating sequences in the art form. This type of leap or jump involves the dancer using their arms and legs to lift them up into the air and then cutting across the space with their body in a scissoring motion.
Doming is a ballet term used to describe the act of lifting the body up into releve, or a high demi-pointe position. It was popularized by dancer and choreographer George Balanchine in the mid 20th century and is used in many forms of ballet today. The primary purpose of doming is to create a feeling of elevation and lightness while executing steps.
A susu in ballet is a movement of the arms and body that is used to create an illusion of spinning or turning. It is also known as a ‘swivel’ or ‘pirouette’, and is one of the most basic and recognizable steps in ballet. The susu movement involves both arms and legs in order to create a smooth and continuous spin.
