Movement Demonstration

Definition

Sissonne: a classical ballet term that describes a dancer jumping from two feet and splitting their legs “like scissors” in the air before landing.  

Sissonne is named for the originator of the step and is a very common and popular ballet step, seen in performances and throughout classes of most skill levels. A sissonne in its simplest form is taught to students at intermediate levels as part of medium and grande allegro. Many pictures featuring dancers in splits in mid-air are commonly pictures of a sissonne.

It is a jump from both feet onto one foot with the exception of sissonne fermée, sissonne tombée and sissonne fondue, which finish on two feet. Sissonne may be performed petite or grande. The petites sissonnes are sissonne simple, sissonne fermée, sissonne ouverte at 45 degrees and sissonne tombée at 45 degrees. The grandes sissonnes are sissonne ouverte at 90 degrees, sissonne renversée and sissonne soubresaut.

A ballet student usually first learns how to do a sissone at an intermediate level and young age.  This ensures the dancer has enough basic strength and comfort with fundamental steps like plie and saute.

From there, a student will learn variations such as jumping and landing on one foot in attitude or arabesque (sissonne en avant) or other positions. The step can also be done petit in variations or petite allegro combinations. Because of the difficulty at quicker speed, sissonne is usually first taught slow and big as part of grande (or medium) allegro combinations first.

Sissonne à la seconde – Sissonne to the second (position). A term of the French School. SeeSissonne fermée dessous; Sissonne fermée dessus.Sissonne battue – Sissonne beaten. Sissonne simple, ouverte and fermée can be beaten.

Movement Techniques

1. Movement Explanations:
   1. Start in position with the right foot in front.
   2. Do a plié.
   3. Jump and land on the right foot.
2. Movement Techniques:
   1. While jumping, allow the leg you are not landing on to lift a little, moving your hips away from each other.