Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

Step: Retiré Passe Devant

How: Retiré Passe describes a position where the working leg is bent and turned out with the knee facing to the side. As this is a Retiré Passe Devant, the foot is at the front (Devant) of the knee. This position is one of the most common positions in classical ballet as not only is it a position a step is done in (For example: Pirouettes), but it is also a position that a lot of steps pass through (For example: Développés). In this demonstration, the dancer has her arms in 3rd position.

Tip: To hold a Retiré Passe, try not to forget about turning out the supporting leg as well as the working leg. Engage the hamstrings and calf of the Retiré Passe to achieve a high and lifted position so as not to overuse and tire out the hips, which also allows more freedom of movement in the hips to develop to other positions.

Ballet: Le Corsaire Act 2, Grand Pas de Deux, Medora’s Variation

Dancer: Abigail Lynn Oliveiro, Soloist

Location: Mall of Asia, Seaside