glissée

A glissée is a ballet term referring to a specific type of sliding or gliding movement performed by dancers. The word originates from French, meaning "to slide" or "to glide," and is pronounced "glee-SAY." This movement is characterized by smooth, continuous motion across the floor with one foot following closely behind the other.

In execution, a glissée begins with the dancer in a closed position, typically in fifth position with both feet turned out. The movement starts by opening the feet into a second position relevé, where the dancer rises onto the balls of both feet. From this position, one foot slides forward along the floor while maintaining contact with the ground, followed immediately by the other foot which closes behind it. The weight of the body shifts progressively from one foot to the other, creating a seamless gliding effect.

The glissée can be performed in various directions including forward, backward, and sideways. It is often used as a traveling step that allows dancers to move gracefully across the stage while maintaining balance and control. The movement requires strong ankle flexibility and precise coordination between both legs to achieve the smooth, flowing quality that defines the step.

This ballet term is part of the classical dance vocabulary and is commonly taught in ballet schools worldwide. The glissée appears in various combinations within classical ballet choreography and serves as a foundational element for more complex movements. It is particularly useful for creating seamless transitions between poses and for developing the leg strength and coordination necessary for advanced ballet technique.

The glissée is considered an essential component of a dancer's technical training, helping to build the skills needed for fluid stage movement and artistic expression.