Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro 

Step: Renversé

 How: Renversé means to upset. Firstly, this movement can be initiated in various ways; with a développé or a grand battement, to name just two. What differentiates this from a regular attitude derrière is that this movement ends in an “upset” attitude in derrière. Where the upset or distortion occurs is that, upon reaching the attitude derrière, the dancer “upsets” this by arching and tilting the upper body towards the working leg. Thus when viewed from above, the dancer resembles a circle as her ear comes close to her working leg, all while maintaining her balance as much as possible.

Tip: Try not to get to the attitude too early as this will result in an awkwardly shaped attitude hanging out the side instead of the back. Getting there at the peak of the relevé, maintaining the turn out on both legs while arching will help “squeeze” the balance out as much as possible. This will yield in a beautifully suspended line at the maximum of the attitude and arch.

Ballet: Raymonda Act 1, Dream Variation

Dancer: Shaira Comeros, Company Artist, Ballet Manila

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 3