Ballet Dictionary: Grand Pas de Chat in Attitude Derrière
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Grand Pas de Chat in Attitude Derrière
How: Like a Grand Jeté, the dancer jumps by throwing one leg into the air in front, then pushing off the back leg behind to form a straight line and then landing on the front leg. As this is a Grand Pas de Chat, the throwing of the first leg is done in a Développé action (an unfolding motion bending the leg to a high passé position to straight). “Attitude derrière” describes the position of the leg at the back. As the back leg pushes off, instead of a straight leg, the leg will be bent in attitude instead.
Tip: Try to keep the back knee lifted to maintain the turn out of the back leg in attitude.
Ballet: Don Quixote Act 2, Cupid’s Variation
Dancer: Jessa Balote, Company Artist
Location: Harbour Square
