Pas de Cheval Tutorial

This week and next, we're focusing on pas de cheval (step of the horse).  This step gets incorporated into choreography, usually as a transitional or progressional step.  Practicing pas de cheval at the barre helps train your legs to move smoothly through the step while holding a good turnout, which is a key aspect of the step's style.

This video, from Salty Sugar Plum, gives a nice detailed breakdown of pas de cheval, with some tips for keeping the proper leg turnout.  (Note that we don't do the Balanchine-wrapping style she mentions in the video; that's a slightly more advanced style.)

If you're finding pas de cheval challenging, check out the video and practice along with it.  It is definitely not a movement that your legs would do in every day life, but once it "clicks," you'll find the step feel more natural.