Ballet Dictionary: Bravura
Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro
Style: Bravura
What: Bravura is a term used to describe a showy style or a daring performance in a ballet. Usually the ballet would consist of variations with many elaborate steps and tricks performed by both male and female dancers. It takes a certain level of technical skill and bravery for a dancer to perform a bravura variation. These variations are performed with full of gusto which make them such exhilarating performances.
A well-known bravura male variation would be Acteon’s variation, as seen in this photograph. This is from the exciting Diana and Acteon Pas de Deux, from the ballet La Esmeralda.
Other bravura ballets include Don Quixote and Le Corsaire.
Dancer: Brian Sevilla, Ballet Manila Company Artist
Location: Ballet Manila Studio 1
