2 3 Technical Tuesday Chassé and Sashay | Ballet Webb

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Technical Tuesday Chassé and Sashay


Technical Tuesday Chassé and Sashay
I’ve talked about chassé before, for example in Ballet Secret 13a: “A chassé is a step that says its own name.” The French term means “to chase” and that is what the feet do: one foot chases the other.
A different term, “sashay” is used in American square dancing and means: “a figure in which partners circle each other by taking sideways steps”. Informally, the term “sashay” can also mean “walk in an ostentatious yet casual manner, typically with exaggerated movements of the hips and shoulders”. The term “sashay” came into use during the 19th century and evolved from the word “chassé” – not surprising.
In ballet, chassé is a critical linking step, most frequently used to connect jumping steps and provide the necessary impetus for a high elevation. 

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Ballet Secret #13o 
“Chassé means “to chase”. 
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The height of your maturity and sagacity depends on your ability to see the beauty in ugly situations.”
Michael Bassey Johnson


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