Photo by Mark Sumaylo • Text by Abigail Oliveiro

What: Pas Failli

How: The term Failli means to “give away” and in full, Pas Failli would mean the step of giving away. A pas failli is known as a transitional step as it usually prepares for another jump. How this is done in a jump sequence would be that the dancer would typically begin from fifth position in a plié. As the dancer jumps and sissone’s in the air (with a quarter of a twist to change directions), the legs momentarily join in fifth (pictured). The dancer would then disengage the back leg into a small arabesque before landing while passing the back leg forward through to a fourth position. The dancer would then proceed and finish the Pas Failli with another jump. 

Ballet: Bluebird Male Variation, Sleeping Beauty, Act 3

Dancer: Dominic Lor, Company Artist

Location: Ballet Manila Studio 2