Ballet Term
Pas
Pas is a term used in ballet to describe a step. You’ll commonly hear pas being used for almost any step that involves the transfer of weight.
Pas simply means step in French. In ballet it usually refers to any step that involves a transfer of weight from one foot to the other. You will hear it constantly, both on its own and as the first word in the name of a longer step or dance.
Because pas is so general, it shows up everywhere. A pas de bourrée is a linking step of small transfers of weight. A pas de chat is a step of the cat. A pas de deux is a dance for two. When you see pas at the start of a name, it is a good clue that the movement is a defined step or a dance section rather than a single position. Learning to spot the word helps you understand combinations more quickly.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pas mean in ballet?
Pas is French for step, and in ballet it usually means a step that transfers weight from one foot to the other.
Why do so many ballet terms start with pas?
Because pas means step, it begins the names of many defined steps and dances, such as pas de bourrée, pas de chat, and pas de deux.