Ballet Dictionary: Pas de Chat
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Pas de Chat
How: Pas de Chat is a classical ballet term meaning “Step of a Cat” as the step resembles a cat-like jump. Usually starting from 5th position, the dancer pliés then jumps to the side with the back foot going into passé position, quickly followed by the other foot also going into passé position. There’s a moment where both legs are suspended in passé, as shown in the picture. The dancer then lands by placing the back foot that took off first on the floor, followed by the other foot in front, landing back in 5th position once again.
Tip: Try to be quick with the 2nd foot to get to the position faster and hold the suspension in the air. Lift the hips up at the height of the jump to help give the Pas de Chat a light feel and look.
Ballet: Grand Pas Classique, Female Variation
Dancer: Resti Oktaviani, Company Artist
Location: Bonifacio High Street
