Ballon (ballet)

Ballon refers to the ability of a ballet dancer to appear to hold a position in the air. It may be named after the French dancer Claude Balon, however it may also come from the French word ballon, meaning "balloon". It also refers to the quality of jumps/leaps or allegro steps that appear to have a soft but sustained rebound from/to the floor or stage, for example, a series of balotte saute. A dancer with good natural ballon usually has great natural spring and long achilles tendons.

To perform the more demanding routines, a ballet dancer appears to defy the laws of physics. Basic physics and understanding of human perception provide insight into this. A high level of physical fitness is required.

For example, during the grand jeté, the dancer may appear to hover. Physically, his/her center of mass describes a parabola, as does any projectile. Observors have limited ability to reckon center of mass when a projectile changes its configuration in flight. To do this the dancer extends their arms and legs, which camouflages the fall and leads the audience to perceive the dancer is floating. [cite web |url=http://web.hep.uiuc.edu/home/g-gollin/dance/dance_physics.html |title=Physics of Dance] [cite web |url=http://www.health.uottawa.ca/biomech/lab/docs/abc5_gr.pdf
title=Simulation of the Airborne Phase of the Grand Jete in Ballet] [cite web |url=http://www.phys.washington.edu/users/jeff/courses/ken_young_webs/208A/grand-jete.html |title=The Grand Jete. Illusion of Floating.]

A Pas de Chat (step of the cat) creates a similar illusion. The dancer starts from a plié, then during the ascending phase of the step, quickly lifts each knee in succession with hips turned out, so that for a moment both feet are in the air at the same time, passing each other. For a moment, the dancer appears suspended in air.

The landing must be performed carefully, the dancer bends at the knees (plies) and rolls the foot from toe to heel. For artistic as well as safety reasons this technique must be taught by a qualified instructor. [cite web |url=http://www.health.uottawa.ca/biomech/lab/docs/isbs22_tt.pdf |title=Analysis of the Aerial and Landing Phases of the Grand Jete] [cite web |url=http://www.westfieldymcagymnastics.com/gymtips.html |title=Tips for Improving Leaps] [cite web |url=http://www.dance.net/topic/5251050/1/Jazz-Beginners/Learning-to-leap-Tips-and-Technique.html&replies=3 |title=Learning to leap; Tips and Technique]

ee also

*Hang time

References