Hi Beauties,
Step inside our Ballet Glossary to learn classic ballet terms and movements with Mary Helen.
Sous-sus
Sous-sus is a classical ballet term that translates to “over-under.” It can be performed at the barre or in the center. It is a highly versatile step in which a dancer springs onto relevé demi-pointe or pointe, placing the back foot more closely behind the front in fifth position with fully stretched legs. Because of the turn out of the feet, both heels are rotated forward—giving the illusion of one foot. This step can be executed in place, traveling forwards or backwards, or side to side.
From a fitness perspective sous-sus is a great step to tone and lengthen the legs. The crossing of the legs in fifth position starts at the top of the thighs engaging the inner thighs, followed by fully extending the knees to ensure a crossed secure fifth position. It is also a great exercise to strengthen the calf muscles & tone the inner thighs.
You can find Sous-sus featured in these Streaming Library workouts:
Ballet 101
Choreography Livestreams
Petit Battement
Petit Battement, or “small beating,” is a movement that starts with the working leg in the sur le cou-de-pied position, (where the pointed foot is placed on the opposite leg between the base of the calf and the beginning of the ankle). The foot quickly alternates from the cou-de-pied in the front to the cou-de-pied in the back, slightly opening in the direction of second position but only half way, as the leg does not fully extend at the knee. The knee angle changes while the upper leg and thigh remain still.
Petit Battement is a great exercise for speed and agility in the lower leg. Executing it correctly takes a lot of control, and requires use of the core, butt, and thigh muscles.Join our Ballet 101 livestreams each month to work on your petit battement!
Rond de Jambe Rond de jambe is a classical ballet term meaning “round of the leg.” It is a very common step used in various forms throughout ballet class and performances, in which one leg moves in a straight line away from the body before executing a semi-circular motion. It can be performed either on the floor (à terre) or with the leg in the air (en l’air). In rond de jambe à terre, one leg performs a series of semi-circular movements on the ground. Typically, both legs are kept perfectly straight and all movement comes from the hip, circling en dehors (outwards) or en dedans (inwards) while brushing through first position. The foot of the working leg does not come off the floor and does not pass beyond the fourth position front or the fourth position back. The rond de jambe à l’air en dehors begins with a battement a la seconde. Next, the toes draw a path straight in to the knee, and then circle slightly in front of the knee of the supporting leg and return to a la seconde position, completing an oval shape in the air. Reversed, a rond de jambe en l'air en dedans begins with a battement a la seconde, then the toes draw a half-circle or oval to the front of the knee of the supporting leg and then go straight back out to à la seconde. Rond de jambe is a great exercise for lengthening and toning the legs, as it is performed with straight knees. By turning out from the hips, it targets the inner thigh muscles for a deep burn. Rond de jambe is used frequently in Ballet Beautiful workouts; you can find them in the videos below from our Streaming Library:Prima Series: Ronde de Jambe
Ballet Basics Barre, Ronde de Jambe
Inner Thigh with Ronde de Jambe
You can find our FULL Ballet Glossary on our Ballet Beautiful YouTube Channel. If you haven't subscribed to the Ballet Beautiful Custom Workout yet, we invite you to experience the full Streaming Library and join us for a Ballet 101 Livestream!
Best Wishes,
Natia & the Ballet Beautiful Team
