Ballet Term
coupé-chassé en tournant
A coupé-chassé en tournant is a classical ballet term for a step performed in ballet. It is done when a dancer turns in the air in a coupe position. It’s most commonly used as a predatory step, usually by men for a grand allegro.
A coupé-chassé en tournant is a traveling, turning jump often used to build speed and momentum into a bigger step. The name is a chain of parts: a coupé (a cutting change of the foot), a chassé (a chasing, gliding step), and en tournant (turning). Put together, it is a preparatory step that lets a dancer turn through the air while covering ground.
How it is performed
The dancer cuts the foot with a coupé, then glides forward through a chassé, turning in the air as the legs travel and change. It is most often seen as a preparation, a launching step that feeds into a large jump or turn. Because it builds power and direction, it is a favorite entry into grand allegro, the section of class and choreography devoted to big traveling movement.
Where you will see it
This step is used frequently by male dancers to gather speed before a soaring jump or a multiple turn. In a grand allegro combination, you might see it lead straight into a grand jeté or a tour en l’air. It is less an ending in itself and more a bridge that sets up the showpiece that follows.
Tips for beginners
Learn the coupé and chassé cleanly on their own first, then add the turn slowly. Keep your upper body lifted and your eyes leading the direction of travel. The goal is smooth, unhurried momentum, not force, so the big step that follows feels easy and controlled.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coupé-chassé en tournant used for?
It is a turning preparatory step that gathers speed and direction to launch into a larger jump or turn, most often in grand allegro.
Who usually performs coupé-chassé en tournant?
It is commonly performed by male dancers as a preparation before big traveling jumps like a grand jeté or a tour en l'air.