Cou-de-pied

Sur le cou-de-pied describes a position of the foot, not a step or movement. The name means roughly “on the neck of the foot.” In this position the working foot is placed against the supporting leg in the area between the base of the calf and the top of the ankle, wrapping around that narrow “neck” of the lower leg.

What the Position Looks Like

When a dancer holds sur le cou-de-pied, the working foot rests just above the ankle bone of the standing leg. Depending on the training style and the step, the foot may be pointed and wrapped around the front of the ankle, placed behind, or shown as a soft, curved shape. The toes stay pointed and the working leg keeps its turnout, so the position looks neat and finished rather than casual.

Where You Use It

Cou-de-pied is a starting and passing position for many steps. It is the beginning shape for frappés and petit battements, and the foot often travels through this position on the way to or from other movements. Because it sits low on the leg, teachers use it to help dancers learn control and precise placement before moving on to higher positions like passé or retiré. For students, a clean cou-de-pied is a small detail that makes many other steps look sharp.