Pas de Cheval

A pas de cheval, meaning step of the horse, is a pawing action of the working leg that looks a little like a horse pawing the ground. It is often taught at the barre or in the center to develop articulation of the foot and control of the lower leg, and its distinctive lifting-and-reaching motion makes it a favorite for building clean, expressive footwork.

How the step is performed

The dancer starts in fifth position. The front leg lifts so the pointed foot is drawn up to cou-de-pied, the spot just above the ankle. From there, the foot extends outward into a tendu, brushing and reaching along the floor. This up-and-out action, drawing in then pointing forward, is what creates the pawing look. A pas de cheval can also finish in a dégagé, with the foot lifted slightly off the floor, and it can be danced to the front, side, or back, sometimes described as being done in all three positions.

Why dancers practice it

Pas de cheval trains the foot to move through clear, articulate positions rather than sliding stiffly. Drawing the foot up to cou-de-pied and then extending teaches the ankle and toes to shape the movement, which helps with countless other steps that rely on a mobile, expressive foot. Keeping the supporting leg strong, the hips square, and the working foot fully pointed will make each pawing action look crisp and horse-like, exactly as the name suggests.