Ballet Dictionary: Reverence
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Step: Reverence
What: A reverence typically looks like a bow (for males) and curtsy (for females). It is usually done at the end of a class as a “finish” exercise which pays respect and acknowledges the teacher and a piano accompanist if present.
This carries over to the stage where a grande reverence is performed by a ballerina or danseur to acknowledge the applause of the audience.
A reverence at the end of a class usually includes a small port de bras that ends in a bow or curtsy. A grande reverence is elaborately performed by a dancer that includes a port de bras often gesturing to the audience and their partner (if a pas de deux is involved) to show their appreciation.
Ballet: Les Sylphides (Chopiniana)
Dancer: Joan Emery Sia, Principal Dancer
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 1
