Glissade

A glissade is a small, gliding jump used to link other steps together. Its name means to slide, and that is exactly what it looks like: one foot slides out along the floor and the other follows, with the feet skimming close to the ground. Because it travels smoothly and sets up a strong plié, glissade is one of the most useful connecting steps in a dancer’s vocabulary.

How a glissade is performed

The step begins in fifth position with a plié. One foot slides out into a dégagé, pointing along the floor in the direction of travel. The dancer transfers weight onto that foot with a small push, and the second foot follows and closes back into fifth position with a soft plié. The feet barely leave the floor, giving the step its low, gliding look. Glissade can travel to the side, forward, or backward, and it can finish with either foot in front depending on what step comes next.

Why glissade matters

Glissade is rarely a showpiece on its own. Instead, it is a preparation and linking step, the connective tissue between bigger movements. Dancers often glissade before a grand jeté or an assemblé to build momentum and arrive in a powerful plié ready to spring. A clean glissade makes the following jump look higher and easier because the dancer is already moving and loaded like a spring. Choreographers use it constantly to keep phrases flowing without pauses.

Tips for a smooth glissade

Keep the movement low and the feet fully pointed as they brush through. Use a real plié at the start and finish, and let the foot stretch to a clear dégagé before the weight shifts. The upper body should stay calm and lifted so all the action happens in the legs and feet. A well-danced glissade should look like the dancer is gliding effortlessly just above the floor.