Balance steps, often referred to as balancé in ballet, are a flowing step that involves shifting your weight from one foot to the other with a slight 'rocking' motion.
Understanding Balancé Steps
Balancé is a fundamental ballet step used to transition between movements or travel across the floor. The reference provides specific details on how this step is initiated and executed.
According to the reference:
- Starting Position: You normally start in either tendu back or in a plié (referred to as b plus in the reference) with the back leg.
- Initial Movement: The back leg is the leg that steps out first.
- Leg Development: The leg is developed through cou-de-pied to a low jeté height.
- Weight Transfer: You then "fall off your working leg to travel." This describes the characteristic shift of weight that allows the step to move forward or sideways.
Essentially, a balancé step involves stepping out to the side or back, shifting weight, and then often bringing the other foot to a closed position or repeating the movement in the opposite direction, creating a fluid, swaying effect. The reference focuses on the initial phase involving the back leg stepping out after preparation in tendu or plié.
