Ballet Dictionary: Sissone Ouverte in Attitude Croisé
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Sissonne Ouverte in Attitude Croisé. The word “Sissonne” describes a scissor-like movement.
How: Starting in 5th position, the dancer jumps up, traveling slightly forward from two feet, opening the legs, one straight forward and the other in Attitude Derrière (back), in a scissor-like motion. As this Sissonne is a Sissone Ouverte, the dancer will land in an open position as the term “Ouverte” means to open forward. The dancer will land on his front leg with his back leg still lifted in attitude. “Croisé,” meaning crossed, describes a crossed placement; From the view of the audience, the dancers’ legs look crossed.
Tip: Getting the arms to their position as quickly as possible will help the co-ordination of the legs reach the peak of the jump, maximizing the suspension of the jump.
Ballet: Satanella Grand Pas de Deux, Male Variation
Dancer: Brian Sevilla, Trainee
Location: University of the Philippines, Diliman
