Ballerinas: Pliés

Plié (plee-ay) is a movement in ballet in which the knees are bent outward while the back is held straight. There are two versions of a plié: demi-plié and grand plié. Demi-plié is a small or half bend of the knees with the heels securely on the ground. Grand plié is a full or large bend of the knees. The knees should be bent until the thighs are horizontal to the floor.

Pliés act as a springboard for all jumps. They also build strength and turnout in the legs and hip joints while absorbing shock. Correct use and development of a plié is a basic but essential movement to a dancer’s technique. Pliés are the foundation of every turn, jump and landing in ballet. Beverly