What Is Ecarte in Ballet?

Ballet

Ecarte is a French ballet term meaning “to open” or “to expand”. It is a basic step in classical ballet technique and can involve either a single leg or both legs being opened outwards from the body.

This movement is often accompanied by arm movements, such as the arms being held out in an open position or extended out from the body. Ecarte steps are used to create dynamic lines and shapes on stage, as well as to provide visual interest for the audience.

In classical ballet, ecarte steps may be performed in either first or fifth positions. During an ecarte step, one foot is lifted off of the ground and opened outward away from the body.

The other foot remains planted on the ground and serves as a pivot point for the dancer to rotate from. The lifted foot should remain parallel to the floor and close enough to maintain balance while extending away from the body.

The arms may be held out in an open position while performing an ecarte step, with one arm reaching forward and the other arm reaching back. This creates a beautiful line through the body which helps to show off any extensions of the legs. Alternatively, both arms may be extended outward away from the body in opposite directions while performing this step.

Ecarte steps are often used at moments of transition within a dance phrase or combination, providing variety and movement between steps or jumps. They can also be used at any moment within a phrase to create interesting lines on stage or add visual interest for the audience. Ecarte steps can also be used as part of more complex turns such as pirouettes.

Conclusion:
What Is Ecarte in Ballet? Ecarte is a French ballet term meaning “to open” or “to expand” which involves either a single leg or both legs being opened outwards from the body, often accompanied by arm movements such as being held out in an open position or extended out from the body. It is used to create dynamic lines and shapes on stage, provide visual interest for audiences, and add variety and movement between steps or jumps during dances phrases.