Sidestep Movements
The elegant lateral progression across the room
Sidesteps form the fundamental vocabulary of the historical art of dance around 1800. They serve for elegant and flowing lateral progression across the room and are characterized by precise footwork, the elevation (L'élevé), and lateral gliding.
A special historical note: Although some of these steps still bear the same names as in the mid-18th century (around 1750), they differ significantly in their technical execution and posture from those of the Baroque and Rococo periods.
The period around 1800 marks only the transition from the Baroque & Rococo style to the Biedermeier era. The style of the "new manner" only truly establishes itself from roughly 1830 onwards. For the steps of the "old style", please visit the corresponding page Sidesteps of the old style.
Select one of the steps below to delve into our archive. As a student or ball guest, please have your passcode ready to access the detailed historical descriptions within the protected compendium.
Note: We ask for your understanding that the elaboration of the complete content is currently still ongoing. The documentation is being successively expanded.