The Most Difficult Ballet Move, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the ballet move you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:23

In the intricate world of ballet, each leap and twirl brings its own challenge, with some moves demanding extreme precision and skill. Dancers spend years perfecting these difficult maneuvers, striving to execute them with grace and fluidity. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, understanding which moves are the toughest offers a deeper appreciation of the art form. This dynamic ranking invites you to cast your vote on what you consider the most challenging ballet moves. Your participation not only shapes the list but also illuminates the nuances of ballet technique for others. As the votes accumulate, watch as the rankings shift and change, reflecting the collective voice of ballet fans worldwide.

What Is the Most Difficult Ballet Move?

1

63
votes
Grand pas de deux

This move requires two dancers to perform a series of intricate and synchronized movements, including lifts, turns, and jumps. It requires a high level of skill, strength, and coordination.
The Grand pas de deux is a highly challenging and iconic ballet move that showcases the technical and artistic abilities of two principal dancers. It is commonly featured in classical ballets and is considered one of the most difficult and distinguished dance sequences.

Difficulty level: Very high

Number of performers: Two principal dancers

Timing: Typically occurs in the later part of a ballet performance

Technique: Requires exceptional skill in coordination, balance, flexibility, and control

Complexity: Involves intricate and elaborate footwork, lifts, turns, and partnering
2

40
votes
Fouetté turns

These turns involve spinning on one leg while whipping the other leg around the body. They require precise technique and control, as well as a strong core and balance.
Fouetté turns is a challenging ballet move that requires precise technique, balance, and control. It involves rapid turns performed on one leg while the working leg whips around the body.

Pirouette Technique: A series of fouetté turns often follow multiple pirouettes

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Number of rotations: Multiple (typically 2-3 full rotations)

Execution: On relevé (on the toes) with the supporting leg turned out

Working Leg Movement: Whips around the body, executed either in front (en avant) or at the back (en arrière)
3

14
votes
Pirouettes en pointe

These are turns performed on the tips of the toes while balancing on one leg. They require strength, balance, and control, as well as a high level of technique.
Pirouettes en pointe is a challenging ballet move that involves turning on the toes in pointe shoes. This move requires strength, balance, and control, as well as precision in executing multiple rotations without losing control. The dancer spins around while keeping the upper body lifted and straight, with the supporting leg fully extended and the other leg in attitude or in a passe position.

Physical demands: Strength and control

Difficulty level: Advanced

Level of balance required: High

Required technique: Pirouettes

Footwear: Pointe shoes
Pirouettes en pointe in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult move in Ballet
4

14
votes
Multiple fouettés

Marius Petipa

This is a series of fouetté turns performed in succession, usually by a female dancer in a solo or pas de deux. It requires a high level of stamina and control, as well as precise technique.
Multiple fouettés is a challenging ballet move that involves a series of consecutive turns on one leg, with the working leg extended in front and the toes of the working foot pointed. The dancer performs a continuous rotation while completing a sequence of quick whip-like movements with the extended leg.

Number of turns: Usually performed with 32 consecutive turns

Working leg position: Extended in front, toes pointed

Body position: Upright and balanced

Support leg: Remains straight and strong

Arm position: Typically held in various positions, such as rounded in front or in fifth position
5

6
votes
Grand jeté

This is a large, flying leap in which the dancer extends one leg forward and the other leg backward, while jumping and landing on the opposite foot. It requires strength, flexibility, and control, as well as a sense of artistry and timing.
The Grand jeté is a spectacular and challenging ballet move characterized by a graceful leap through the air. It involves a dynamic jumping motion where the dancer extends one leg forward and the other leg backward while soaring through the air. The arms are usually held in a rounded position, contributing to the move's elegance and fluidity.

Difficulty level: Advanced

Height: Varies by dancer, typically around mid-air

Speed: Fast and powerful

Execution: Requires explosive leg power, flexibility, and control

Timing: Precise coordination of the legs, arms, and body
6

19
votes
Arabesque penché

This is a pose in which the dancer balances on one leg while leaning forward, with the other leg extended behind the body. It requires a high level of flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as control and grace.
Arabesque penché is a highly challenging ballet move that requires tremendous strength, flexibility, and balance. It is a variation of the traditional arabesque, where the dancer extends one leg behind while bending forward from the waist. The extended leg is lifted as high as possible, creating a beautiful line and a visually striking pose.

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Muscles Used: Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Glutes, Core

Muscular Strength Requirement: Very High

Flexibility Requirement: Extremely High

Balance Requirement: Very High
7

10
votes
Fish dive

Marius Petipa

This is a lift in which the male partner lifts the female partner into the air, then catches her as she dives forward and downward. It requires strength, coordination, and trust between the partners.
The Fish dive is a complex ballet move that requires a high level of strength, technique, and trust between the male and female dancers. It involves the male dancer lifting the female dancer above his head and spinning her around, creating the illusion of a graceful fish diving. The female dancer's body should ideally be in a beautifully arched position throughout the maneuver.

Difficulty: Very difficult

Execution: Requires precise timing and coordination

Strength: Requires significant upper body and core strength from the male dancer

Trust: Relies on a strong partnership and trust between both dancers

Flexibility: The female dancer needs excellent flexibility in her back and legs
8

12
votes
Coda

This is the final section of a pas de deux or group dance, in which the dancers perform a series of complex and virtuosic movements. It requires a high level of skill, stamina, and artistry, as well as precise timing and coordination with the music.
The Coda is a virtuosic dance sequence performed at the end of a ballet variation or pas de deux. It usually showcases the technical skills of the leading dancers and serves as a grand finale to the performance.

Difficulty level: Extremely difficult

Speed: Fast-paced

Duration: Varies, typically short

Technique: Requires precise footwork, turns, jumps, and balances

Musicality: Requires synchronization with the music
9

4
votes
Balancé

This is a step in which the dancer shifts their weight back and forth between their feet, while performing a series of small hops or steps. It requires a high level of control and coordination, as well as a sense of rhythm and musicality.
The Balancé is a ballet move that involves shifting the body's weight from one foot to the other while maintaining a flowing and continuous movement. It is considered one of the most challenging moves due to its complex coordination and balance required.

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Execution: Continuous shifting of weight

Movement Type: Traveling step

Body Position: Arms in various positions, body slightly tilted

Footwork: Alternating steps with pointed or flexed feet
10

2
votes
Attitude derrière

This is a pose in which the dancer balances on one leg while lifting the other leg behind the body, with the knee bent and the foot pointed. It requires strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as a sense of grace and poise.
Attitude derrière is a ballet move where the dancer stands on one leg while the other leg is lifted and bent at the knee, with the foot placed behind the body. The working leg is held in a high position, creating a diagonal line. The torso and arms are usually lifted and balanced to maintain stability and grace.

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Strength Required: High

Flexibility Required: High

Balance Required: High

Control Required: High
Attitude derrière in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult move in Ballet

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Ranking factors for difficult ballet move

Physical Strength

The amount of strength and muscle control required to execute the move.
Flexibility

The degree of flexibility required in muscles and joints, which determines the range of motion needed for the move.
Balance

The ability to maintain equilibirium and steadiness while performing the move.
Coordination

The level of precision and timing needed to coordinate different body parts and make the move look fluid and effortless.
Endurance

The ability to sustain and maintain the move for a longer period without losing form or getting fatigued.
Technique

The level of skill, knowledge and understanding of the specific ballet technique required to execute the move correctly.
Artistry

The ability to convey emotions, expressions, and musicality while executing the move, making it engaging for the audience.
Speed and agility

The pace at which the move needs to be performed, and the quickness of body transitions involved in the move.
Risk factor

The potential for injury or accidents while performing the move, due to its complexity and technical demands.
Learning curve

The amount of time and practice required to master the move, taking into account its difficulty and nuances.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult ballet move. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or step is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1814 views
183 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each step once every 24 hours. The rank of each step is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most difficult ballet move

Ballet is a graceful and elegant dance form that requires years of training and practice to perfect. From pirouettes to pliés, ballet dancers must master a variety of moves to execute a flawless performance. However, some moves are considered more challenging than others, and the question of which is the most difficult ballet move is a subject of much debate among dancers and audiences alike. Factors such as strength, balance, flexibility, and technique all come into play when attempting these complex moves. In this article, we'll explore some of the most challenging ballet moves and the techniques required to perform them.