Dégagé - Dynamic disengagement

Dégagé [dā-ˌgä-ˈzhā] means to "disengage" (like we do with negative people, right?). It is also sometimes referred to as "pas dégagé" (disengaging step). Dégagé is the same general movement as tendu (see previous blog), except a few inches off the floor (thus, "disengage"). And it's generally more dynamic. Depending on the style of ballet you're doing, the full realization of dégagé is either two inches off the floor, half-way between the floor and your knee, or on the same level as your knee (don't worry - your teacher will tell you which). Dégagé can either be done with an accent in (meaning spending more time in one of the five positions) or out (spending more time with the leg out in the extension of the dégagé), though the more common accent for the step is in.

WHY WE DO IT

Dégagé is the second preparation in the traditional sequence of ballet exercises for center jumps (the first being plié). By extending a fully straight leg with an lengthened ankle and pointed foot, you prepare to shift weight from your standing leg to the extended leg. It is also part of the progression from tendu (on the floor) to grande battement (ideally, head-height - stay tuned for that one!)

Dégagé is also a great warmup for your adductor muscles (think ADD the legs together), the muscles on your inner thigh that aid in quick movement and transitions!

HOW TO DO IT BETTER

• Depending on whether the accent of your dégagé is in or out, pretend there is a large rubber band attaching your ankles together (accent in) or a very sticky wall in front of, behind, or beside you (accent out) to make your dégagés more dynamic and exciting.

• When finishing your dégagé, either in first or fifth, think of pushing away from the floor to make room for your very long leg to close back into position. Basically, growing out of the floor like a tree (that has very long, stabilizing, invisible roots!)

• Depending on your ballet class, dégagés can be very fast. The more compact your muscles and efficient your movement, the quicker you can be. For instance, hummingbirds move much more quickly than pigeons. (And they're WAY cuter).