What Is the Difference Between Passe and Retire in Ballet?

Ballet

The terms passe and retire in ballet refer to the footwork of a dancer. Pivot steps, which move the body in a circle, are used to create two distinct positions, the passe and retire.

The passe position is when the body is facing forward with the feet crossed and the toes slightly pointed outwards. The retire position is when the body is turned away from the audience with one foot behind and one foot in front. Both of these positions are important for creating a smooth transition between steps and for conveying emotion through body language.

Passe Position

The passe position is one of the fundamental positions in ballet. It involves crossing one foot over the other and slightly pointing both toes outwards.

This serves as a transition between steps, allowing for smoother movement of the body from one point to another. It also helps to convey emotion through posture and gesture.

Retire Position

The retire position involves turning away from an audience or partner with one foot behind and one foot in front. This creates a sense of anticipation as dancers wait for their partner or audience to react to their movements. It also adds strength and power to certain steps such as jumps or leaps.

Conclusion:

The difference between passe and retire in ballet lies in their respective positions. Passe involves crossing one foot over another with both toes pointing outwards, while retire involves turning away from an audience or partner with one foot behind and one foot in front. Both positions are important for creating a smooth transition between steps, conveying emotion through body language, adding power to certain movements, and creating anticipation amongst an audience.