2 3 Terminology Tuesday Porteur | Ballet Webb

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Terminology Tuesday Porteur



Terminology Tuesday Porteur

The word porteur [pawr-TUHR] means carrier. It was most commonly used in ballet prior to the changes that evolved during the Romantic Period.

Porteur refers to a male dancer who does no actual performing himself, but instead simply supports the female dancer in various poses or jumps. At the time it was considered a noble calling – being skilled enough to present the female dancer in the most flattering way.

“In the original Swan Lake, Siegfried’s was a minor character, in part because its originator, Pavel Gerd, was 50, and that’s all he could do.” 

How times have changed - thankfully!

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Terminology Secret #87:
Porteur means carrier.”

Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“The glory of the protagonist is always paid for
by a lot of secondary characters”
― Tony Hoagland

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