How to do a Glissade | Adult Ballet Beginners

Glissade de côté is such an elegant step because it creates the illusion that the dancer is simply gliding across the floor. It is also one of the most important connecting steps used in petit allegro combinations. In this video, I take you to the barre to break down the key components of a glissade and help you build the movement into your muscle memory step by step. We begin by focusing on the takeoff and landing through a tendu combination. From there, we move into a dégagé combination that teaches the transfer of weight from one side to the other. At this stage, we are still working slowly and with control so you can really understand and refine each piece of the movement. Next, we take the same concept and increase the speed with the goal of reaching second position in the air. Once we understand what the legs are doing, we then discuss where the feet begin and close. The most commonly used version of glissade de côté starts with the leading leg behind, with the second leg closing in front. This is the version you will most often see because it easily connects into steps like jeté or assemblé. If you are doing a series of glissades, however, the closing of the feet will alternate from front to back. To add the final layer of polish and artistry, we also discuss the use of the head. Your focus and face turn toward the foot that is in front, which helps complete the line and movement quality of the step. If I could give one major tip for glissade, it would be to watch the timing of the second leg. The most common mistake I see is the second leg moving too slowly. You do not want to see an obvious up and down action. Instead, the goal is to create one clean, explosive glide sideways across the floor. I’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions about what I covered in this video, or if there’s something from your ballet class that you’d like me to break down or explain, just drop it in the comments!📌 I’m based in Largo, FL! Whether you’re local or visiting on vacation, come dance with me in person. I teach in both our Youth Ballet Program and Adult Dance Program, plus we host annual dance and ballet intensives for dancers from pre-professional to adult. Come join the fun and train with us! Follow me for more dance content:   / gulfcoastdancenter   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... https://gulfcoastdancenter.com/ #adultballetbeginner #ballet #glissade