Ballet Term
Grande Reverence
A grande reverence is curtsy from a female dancer after a performance.
The grande reverence is the graceful curtsy a dancer performs at the end of a performance or class, a formal bow that thanks the audience, the teacher, and the musician. For a female dancer it takes the form of a deep, flowing curtsy, and it is considered an important part of ballet tradition and manners.
A gesture of thanks
A reverence is more than just a bow. It is a short, danced sequence of steps, arm movements, and curtsies that closes a class or a show with elegance and respect. The grande, or grand, version is the fuller, more elaborate one, often danced to music at the very end. The dancer moves through graceful port de bras and lowers into curtsies, sometimes acknowledging different directions so that everyone watching feels thanked.
Because it caps off the work, the reverence is a chance to show poise and artistry one last time. Teachers treat it as part of the training, not an afterthought, because carrying yourself with grace and gratitude is part of being a dancer.
Why it matters
Learning the reverence teaches young dancers stage manners and how to receive applause with humility and elegance. In class it becomes a calm, dignified way to say thank you to the teacher and the pianist for the lesson. On stage, the grande reverence lets the performer connect with the audience and close the performance on a warm, gracious note. It is a lovely reminder that ballet is not only about the steps but also about respect, tradition, and the relationship between the dancer and everyone who supports the art.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a grande reverence?
It is the graceful curtsy and bow a dancer performs at the end of a class or performance to thank the audience, the teacher, and the musician. For a female dancer it is a deep, flowing curtsy.
Is the reverence just a bow?
It is more than a single bow. It is a short danced sequence of steps, port de bras, and curtsies that closes a class or show with elegance, often acknowledging several directions.
Why do dancers learn the reverence?
It teaches stage manners, poise, and how to receive applause with grace. It is also a respectful way to thank the teacher and pianist at the end of every class.