What You'll Learn
- The mechanics of the tombé pas de bourrée as a traveling transition
- How to use "fancy running" to cover large distances on the dance floor
- The role of momentum in preparing for jumps and turns
- Maintaining grace and control during fast-paced movement sequences
About This Video
Transitioning across the floor in ballet requires more than just athletic ability; it requires a deep understanding of how to connect movements with fluidity and style. " While it may seem like a simple preparatory step, the tombé pas de bourrée is the engine that drives your grand allegro and large traveling sequences. The term tombé literally translates to "fallen," which perfectly describes the initiation of this movement.
You are quite literally falling into a deep plié to gather the energy needed to propel yourself forward. When combined with the pas de bourrée—a three-step sequence that typically goes behind, side, and front—you create a choreographed run that is both functional and beautiful. One of the biggest challenges for dancers is learning how to use their space effectively.
We often get stuck in one spot, but ballet is a three-dimensional art form that demands we command the entire studio or stage. By thinking of this movement as fancy running, you strip away the intimidation of the technical name and focus on its purpose: getting from point A to point B with elegance. This mindset shift helps dancers relax their upper bodies and use their legs more like powerful springs.
Whether you are preparing for a massive leap from the corner or a series of pirouettes in the center, mastering the tombé pas de bourrée is essential. It provides the necessary momentum to make your jumps higher and your turns more stable. " By viewing your transitions as choreographed running, you’ll find a new sense of freedom in your movement, allowing you to dance bigger and faster than ever before.
