Ballet Dictionary: Brisé en avant
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Brisé en avant
How: A “brisé” means “broken” and “en avant” indicates the direction of the brisé which is to go forward. The dancer starts in fifth position and brushes the back leg forward to 45°. The dancer then pushes the second leg into the air to meet the first leg in fifth position at the back (as shown in the image), beats the legs which is done by switching the back foot forward in the air and lands back in fifth position again. A brisé looks like an assemblé however the term which means “broken” is shown in the break of the body. Almost like the upper body folding over the lower body whereas an assemblé is done upright.
Tip: Try to beat at the thighs instead of the ankles so that the legs are properly crossed in the air.
Ballet: Le Corsaire Act 2, Pas de Trois, 1st Odalisque Variation
Dancer: Alvin Dictado, Ballet Manila 2
Location: San Andres St., Malate
