Portés

Portés is a term used in dance to describe a lift in which one dancer carries another, typically performed by partners in ballet and contemporary movement. In a porté, the base provides support while the lifted dancer is suspended, with lines and extensions often emphasized for visual effect. Portés are commonly employed to extend musical phrases, heighten drama, and demonstrate partnering skills. They require coordinated timing, core strength, balance, and trust between dancers, as well as careful rehearsal and communication.

Etymology and usage: Porté comes from the French porter, meaning to carry. In dance vocabulary, it functions as both a noun and an adjective, referring to the act of carrying as well as to the carried dancer. The plural form, portés, can denote multiple lifts within a piece or several instances of carrying across a work.

Technique and practice: Roles typically involve a base (the dancer providing support, sometimes called the lifter or porter) and the carried dancer (the one being supported). Grips, body alignment, and safe release points are critical. Portés vary by height, orientation, and the amount of elevation, with low, medium, and overhead carries being common categories. Mastery depends on conditioning, trust, and precise choreography synchronized to the music.

Context and scope: Portés appear across classical ballet, modern dance, and contemporary repertoire, as well as in stage performances and dance education. They remain a central element of partnered dance, reflecting both technical prowess and expressive storytelling.