This is a common step used throughout ballet repertoire. Known for being a sideways linking step it can be taken over, under, derrière or devant. Each of these starts in a fondu with the working leg out to the second, the foot is then draw up to other leg both now it a rise in fifth position, a step is then taken to the side by the supporting leg and then the working leg joins this to make a fifth position in a rise before lowering. Below I will explain how to execute this step in more detail.
PAS DE BOURRÉE DESSOUS (UNDER)
1. Start in fifth position right foot forward*
2. Fondu the left leg taking the right leg to second
3. Bring the right leg to the back of the left leg so that both feet are in a rise in fifth position
4. Step the left leg to the side so that both feet are in a rise in second position
5. Take the right leg and step it to the front of the left leg so that both feet are in fifth position in a rise
6. Lower the heels to the ground standing in fifth position
PAS DE BOURRÉE DESSUS (OVER)
1. Start in fifth position right foot forward*
2. Fondu the left leg taking the right leg to second
3. Bring the right leg to the front of the left leg so that both feet are in a rise in fifth position
4. Step the left leg to the side so that both feet are in a rise in second position
5. Take the right leg and step it to the back of the left leg so that both feet are in fifth position in a rise
6. Lower the heels to the ground standing in fifth position
PAS DE BOURRÉE DERRIÈRE
1. Start in fifth position right foot forward**
2. Fondu the left leg taking the right leg to second
3. Bring the right leg to the back of the left leg so that both feet are in a rise in fifth position
4. Step the left leg to the side so that both feet are in a rise in second position
5. Take the right leg and step it to the back of the left leg so that both feet are in fifth position in a rise
6. Lower the heels to the ground standing in fifth position
PAS DE BOURRÉE DEVANT
1. Start in fifth position right foot forward**
2. Fondu the left leg taking the right leg to second
3. Bring the right leg to the front of the left leg so that both feet are in a rise in fifth position
4. Step the left leg to the side so that both feet are in a rise in second position
5. Take the right leg and step it to the front of the left leg so that both feet are in fifth position in a rise
6. Lower the heels to the ground standing in fifth position
* This step can be started with either the right or the left leg forward in fifth position
** This step can be started with either the right or the left leg forward in fifth position. It can also be commenced with the back foot or the front foot.
At Balletic we follow the bbodance ballet syllabus which in turn uses the ‘Gail Grant Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet‘ for all of it‘s terminology. Diagrams may be different to what you are used to based on the school of ballet that you follow.