Chassé (waltz)
The chassé ([ʃase], French for 'to chase'; sometimes anglicized to chasse /ʃæˈseɪ, ʃæs/) is a waltz ballroom dance figure. Like chassés in other dances, it involves a triple-step where one foot "chases" the other in a "step-together-step" pattern. It is derived from a ballet step.[1]
Chassé from promenade position[edit]
The chassé from promenade position is a Pre-Bronze syllabus figure.[2]
- Leader (man)
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Right foot forward, across in promenade position (PP) and contra body movement position (CBMP) | Facing diagonal wall, moving line of dance | Heel – toe | |
| 2 (1⁄2 beat) | Left foot to side and slightly forward | Facing diagonal wall | Toe | |
| & (1⁄2 beat) | Right foot closes to left foot | Facing diagonal wall | Toe | |
| 3 | Left foot to side and slightly forward | Facing diagonal wall | Toe – heel | |
| 1 | Right foot forward in CBMP, outside partner | Facing diagonal wall | Heel |
- Follower (lady)
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left foot forward, across in PP and CBMP | Facing diagonal center, moving LOD | Starts to turn left | Heel – toe |
| 2 (1⁄2 beat) | Right foot to side | Backing wall | 1⁄8 between 1 and 2 | Toe |
| & (1⁄2 beat) | Left foot closes to right foot | Backing diagonal wall | 1⁄8 between 2 and 3, body turns less | Toe |
| 3 | Right foot to side and slightly back | Backing diagonal wall | Toe – heel | |
| 1 | Left foot back in CBMP | Backing diagonal wall | Toe |
Progressive chassé to right[edit]
The progressive chassé to right is a Bronze syllabus figure. It is progressive because it begins with a forward step. While it moves to the leader's right, it is a reverse, or left-turning figure.[3]
- Leader (man)
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left foot forward | Facing diagonal center | Start to turn left | Heel – toe |
| 2 (1⁄2 beat) | Right foot to side | Backing wall | 1⁄8 between 1 and 2 | Toe |
| & (1⁄2 beat) | Left foot closes to right foot | Backing diagonal wall | 1⁄8 between 2 and 3, body turns less | Toe |
| 3 | Right foot to side and slightly back | Backing diagonal wall | Toe – heel | |
| 1 | Left foot back in CBMP | Backing diagonal wall | Toe |
- Follower (lady)
| Beat | Foot position | Alignment | Amount of turn | Footwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Right foot back | Backing diagonal center | Start to turn left | Toe – heel |
| 2 (1⁄2 beat) | Left foot to side | Pointing diagonal wall | 1⁄4 between 1 and 2, body turns less | Toe |
| & (1⁄2 beat) | Right foot closes to left foot | Facing diagonal wall | slight body turn | Toe |
| 3 | Left foot to side and slightly forward | Facing diagonal wall | Toe – heel | |
| 1 | Right foot forward in CBMP, outside partner | Facing diagonal wall | Heel |
References[edit]
- ^ The Ballroom Technique; Moore, Alex (2006). Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing ASIN: B000PH46KI.
- ^ DanceCentral.Info
- ^ BallroomDancers.com