Forward Steps
Elegant Spatial Movement
The forward steps constitute the fundamental vocabulary of historical dance art around 1800. They serve the purpose of elegant and fluid movement through space, characterized by precise footwork, the elevation (L'evé), and forward gliding. The terminology and technical execution of these steps adhere strictly to historical sources such as Saltator (1802) and differ significantly from those of modern ballet.
A special historical note: Although some of these steps still bear the same names as they did in the mid-18th century (around 1750), their technical execution and posture differ substantially from those of the Baroque and Rococo periods.
The era around 1800 merely marks the transition from the Baroque & Rococo style to the Biedermeier period. The new style only truly established itself from about 1830 onwards. For steps in the "old" style, please visit the corresponding page Forward Steps of the Old Style.
Select one of the steps below to delve into our archive. As a student or ball guest, please have your password ready to access the detailed historical descriptions in the protected compendium.
Note: We kindly ask for your understanding that the elaboration of the complete contents is currently still ongoing. The documentation will be successively expanded.
Chassé (en avant)
Allamain Step
L'entre Jeté
Pas de Fleuret
Contretems en avant
Le pas de Gaillard
Le Pas Brisé