Plié

I’ve heard somewhere that the beginning is a very good place to start. Therefore, since I’m just beginning our exploration of dance vocabulary, I figured it was best to start with the alpha and omega of all dance movements – the plié. Here is the definition according to the ABT (American Ballet Theatre) ballet dictionary. Even young dancers can tell you that plié means ‘to bend’ and that one must begin and end a jump with this action. However, it seems the longer one studies dance, the more he/she comes to realize that plié is one of the most sophisticated and nuanced movements in dance. It’s applications are endless, not only appearing before and after jumps, but in glides, hops, turns, running, walking, leaps, and more. All while moving forward, backward, upward, sideways, or downward. No plié is exactly alike, but without it we appear awkward, stiff, uncontrolled, or shaky. Like dance itself, plié is a never-ending story. There is always more to learn and developping a strong understanding of plié will help dancers build a strong foundation for other movements.

I read an article in this month’s Dance Magazine that I wish I could link you to. Pick up a copy if you can. In it, Risa Steinberg, a Limon teacher at Julliard, states that **”a good plié is an action, not a position. A plié is a ‘Whaaaaaah.’ It is not an ‘Eh.’ ” I love this description. Try vocalizing ‘Whaaaaaah’ while you plié and see what happens! This simple action serves as a reminder that plié is a smooth, continuous, and widening motion. It also implies that control is needed to create and direct the action, in contrast to an “Eh,” which suggests little effort or control. Fluidity, width, and control in plié is required whether executing an explosive jump or a shift of weight.

Some things to remember when executing plié:

1. Weight should be equally distributed between both feet. Try not to lean toward one foot more than the other or rest in the heels.
2. Lift the arches of the foot – avoiding pronation, or rolling in.
3. Maintain turnout (rotation at the hip joint), keeping the knees over the second and third toes.
4. Maintain alignment in the torso, partiularly the pelvis – tailbone points downward. NOT
5. Use opposition in the movement – resist as the body lowers and as it goes goes upward.

Consider the study of plié a lifelong pursuit! Plié are only boring if you stop discovering new things about them.

**The cited article is by Rachel Straus a freelance writer based in NYC and appears in the April 2008 issue of Dance Magazine.

Related posts:

1. A Jeté That’s Truly Grand
2. Talking Technique
3. Defining and Dissecting a Piqué Turn

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