Relevé

Relevé means “raised” or “lifted,” and it describes rising up onto the toes, either onto demi-pointe (the balls of the feet) or full pointe (the tips of the toes in pointe shoes). The dancer lifts the heels off the floor and balances high on the feet. Relevé is one of the most basic and most important actions in ballet, used constantly on its own and inside other steps.

How It Is Done

In a relevé the dancer pushes up smoothly onto the toes while keeping the legs straight and the body pulled up tall. The weight stays centered over the feet, the ankles stay strong and straight (not rolling in or out), and the toes point down into the floor. Relevé can be done on two feet or one, and from many positions such as first, second, or fifth. Coming down should be as controlled as going up, with the heels lowering quietly rather than dropping.

Why It Matters

Relevé builds the ankle and foot strength that dancers rely on for balance, turns, and pointe work. Almost every pirouette begins with a relevé, and traveling steps often pass through it. Because it is used so often, teachers spend a lot of time making sure young dancers relevé correctly and safely, especially before they begin pointe. Strong, steady relevés are one of the clearest signs of a well trained foot.