Step of the Horse
Here's a preview of a new step we'll be trying in our next two class meetings: Pas de cheval ("step of the horse"). This step is named "pas de cheval" because it looks very much like the way a horse lifts its hooves when trotting, or how it paws at the ground when idle.
This step trains your feet and legs to move smoothly together in a coordinated way. It also helps to reinforce turnout when doing transition steps. Pas de Cheval is a fantastic step for working on your leg rotation and foot articulation.
Elizabeth, at The Whole Point, does a very nice job breaking down the details of the step.
The basic components of the step are:
- You begin by lifting your working foot into sur le cou de pied. (Remember that "sur le cou de pied" means "above the neck of the foot" -- which basically means "at the ankle." In sur le cou de pied, you are pointing your foot at your ankle.)
- Next, with a slight "flicking" motion you lift your foot very slightly upward and extend your leg outward in a slight arch, which turns into...
- A tendu point in the direction your are doing the pas de cheval (e.g. front, side or back).
- Lastly, you finish the step by sliding your foot back to a closed 5th position, in the same way you would close any tendu (by brushing into the floor and articulating through the foot).
- Maintain your turn-out! Your knee should stay "aimed" to the side; don't let it roll upward when doing pas de cheval to the front; don't let it roll downward when doing pas de cheval to the back.
- Peel your foot off the floor as you move into the sur le cou de pied position.
- Get your foot into a pointed position as quickly as possible, as soon as you move it into sur le cou de pied.
- The accent of your foot/leg motion is outward.
- Have fun with the step! Embrace your inner pony!