What Is Releve in Ballet?

Ballet

Relevé is a ballet term that refers to the act of rising onto the tips of the toes. Relevé can be performed with one or two feet, depending on the style of dance. It is also used to describe a movement that starts with a demi-plié and finishes with a full extension of the feet. Relevé is an essential part of many classical ballet steps and is used to create graceful transitions, give power to jumps, and add depth and dimension to turns.

The importance of relevé

Relevé is important for both aesthetic and technical reasons. From an aesthetic perspective, it creates an effect of lightness and elevation when done correctly. It also adds an element of grace and elegance to any step or combination in which it is used.

Technically speaking, relevé helps dancers keep their balance by providing support for the whole body. It also helps dancers move more efficiently by allowing them to transfer their weight from one foot to another quickly and easily. Additionally, relevé enables dancers to reach greater heights in jumps as well as quicker turns with more control.

How to perform relevé

Relevé can be performed in two ways: starting from a flat foot or starting from a demi-plié (half-kneeling). Starting from a flat foot requires pushing through the balls of the feet while keeping your heels slightly off the ground; this will lift your body up onto pointe (the tips) of your toes.

Starting from a demi-plié requires pushing through both your heels and balls of your feet while lifting up onto pointe; this will cause your body to rise higher than starting from a flat foot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, relevé is an important ballet technique that helps dancers maintain their balance, gain power for jumps, gracefully transition between steps, and add depth and dimension to turns. When correctly executed, it creates an effect of lightness and elevates any step or combination in which it is used. Knowing how to perform proper relevés will help any dancer become stronger technically as well as aesthetically on stage.