“Anticipation–or apprehension–of a challenging featured step can make it easy to overlook the simpler step leading into it. Glissade, coupé, pas de bourré, chassé, balancé, failli, pas couru, and tombé often precede something flashier. Done neatly and correctly, connecting steps add elegance to your dancing and provide the preparation you need to launch what comes next; done carelessly they dull your polish and undermine the propulsion needed for elevation and ballon. Imagine trying to perform grand jeté from a stationary position. The successful timing and coordination of grand jeté or any difficult jump depends on the rhythm, the momentum, and especially the final plié of the connecting step that comes first.” Eliza Gaynor Minden on Connecting Steps (The Ballet Companion p.169)
Satisfying Connecting Steps in Ballet Technique YouTube Playlist
Thanks for listening! I'll share these and even more resources on the companion blog at ablythecoach.com/blog
Please tell me about your experience and challenges with connecting steps and what you’d like to see more of in the future.
Blythe Stephens, MFA
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com
move through life with balance, grace, & power
DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.
