Ballet Dictionary: Promenade
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
What: Promenade
How: A promenade in classical ballet means “a walk”. It is when a dancer turns around in a pivoting motion, always maintaining turn out, while standing with one leg flat on the floor with the other leg in a position en l’air (in the air). A partnered promenade is where the female dancer is standing en pointe on one leg while the working leg is en l’air (in this picture, an attitude derriere) with the male dancer supporting her with his hands on her waist or holding her hand. The male dancer would then walk around, turning the ballerina around while keeping her balance.
Tip: The male dancer creates the promenade and hence has to ensure that the female dancer is on her leg at all times, turning her on her axis. Both dancers have to hold their shoulder alignment in order to maintain a secure distance to execute the promenade as smoothly as possible.
Ballet: Don Quixote, Grand Pas Deux
Dancers: Brian Sevilla, Ballet Manila Company Artist, and Eva Chatal, Ballet Manila 2
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 2
