soulevé

Soulevé is a term with roots in French, meaning "lifted" or "raised." Its most common usage is within the context of dance, particularly ballet. In ballet, a soulevé refers to a jump performed from a plié, where the dancer rises onto the balls of their feet and then springs upwards into the air. The movement can be executed with one or both feet leaving the ground. When performed on one foot, it is often called a soulevé passé or soulevé retiré, depending on the leg position. The quality of a soulevé is characterized by its lightness and elevation. It is a fundamental step used to transition between positions and to add dynamic movement to choreography. The preparation for a soulevé involves a deep plié to gather power, followed by a strong push-off from the floor. The landing is typically on the balls of the feet, returning to a demi-plié. Beyond ballet, the term can occasionally be found in other athletic contexts to describe a lifting or raising action, though its primary association remains with classical dance.