développé

Développé is a classical ballet movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee in a passé position and then slowly extended to a fully stretched, pointed position. The technique emphasizes a long, clean line and sustained turnout from the hip, with the pelvis kept level and the torso upright.

Etymology and use: The term comes from French, literally meaning “developed” or “unfolded.” In ballet, développé unfolds the leg from a folded position into an extended line and is used in various directions and tempos, often as part of sequences or as a preparatory step for other steps.

Technique and directions: The movement usually begins from a stable turnout in a fifth position or from a supported passé. The working leg is drawn through retiré or passé at the knee, then extended slow and controlled to devant (in front), dehors (to the outside), or derrière (to the back), finishing with the foot fully pointed. A grand développé refers to the full, high extension of the leg, and can be performed en dehors or en dedans. In some styles, a développé may be executed from a demi-plié or from a coupé before rising into extension.

Variations and context: Développé is commonly integrated into both adagio and allegro work, and in contemporary or neoclassical contexts it may be adapted for different alignments or tempos. Mastery relies on hip turnout, core stability, leg strength, and precise control of the knee and ankle.

Training considerations: Common challenges include maintaining turnout through the entire movement, keeping the pelvis level, and avoiding closing of the working leg or over-arching the torso. Progressive exercises often begin with tendu to passé and gradually extend to full développé.