Partner Steps in Ballet

A pas de deux in ballet is a series of steps performed by two dancers, usually a man and a woman. By dancing with a partner, the ballerina has the ability to take positions she would never be able take alone. During a pas de deux, the man often looks as if he is not really dancing at all. Instead, he acts as sort of a "third leg" for the ballerina by supporting, stabilizing, lifting, and turning her.

The pas de deux can be broken down into four main areas of technique: promenades, lifts, turns, and jumps. (Other techniques may certainly be performed, however.)

• Promenades:
  
  The ballerina takes a position on pointe, usually in front of the man. The man holds onto her, helping to support her and offering stability. Once stabalized, the man walks around in a circle, making the ballerina turn. A promenade can be done in almost any position.



• Lifts:
  
  The ballerina is lifted high into the air by the man, much higher than she could ever achieve on her own. The man must be very strong to lift the ballerina, although the ballerina must also be strong enough to hold her back sraight and her shoulders square.



• Turns:
  
  Turns performed with a partner are usually some type of pirouette, with the ballerina doing the turning. The man generally stands behind the ballerina with his hands around her waist. He stabalizes her and helps her turn, giving her the ability to turn several times in a row.



• Jumps:
  
  Jumps are often the most exciting steps performed during a pas de deux. Simple jumps involve the man simply lifting the ballerina higher as she jumps, allowing her to remain in the air much longer than normal. More risky jumps involve a catch: the ballerina may jump high into the air, depending on the man to catch her as she descends.
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