Échappé

An échappé is a movement in which the feet “escape” from a closed position to an open one. The word échappé means “escaped,” which describes how the two feet slide apart from a tight starting position into a wider one. It is a foundational step that teaches dancers to open the legs evenly while keeping the body centered and the turnout strong.

How an Échappé Is Done

An échappé usually begins in a closed position, most often fifth position with the feet. From a demi-plié, the dancer slides both feet outward at the same time, opening into second position or fourth position. The two feet travel an equal distance so the weight stays balanced between them. To finish, the feet slide back together into the closed starting position.

Sauté and Relevé Versions

There are two common ways to perform an échappé. In an échappé sauté, the dancer jumps from the closed position and lands in the open position, then jumps again to return, so the escape happens in the air. In an échappé relevé, the dancer rises onto demi-pointe or pointe as the feet open, which builds strength in the feet and ankles. Both versions can open to second or fourth position, and both can change or keep the front foot when returning to fifth. Because it trains even weight, turnout, and clean opening and closing of the legs, the échappé appears often in class from the early years onward.