Basic lifts in pas de deux are partnered moves in which one dancer, traditionally the man, raises the other off the floor with help from her own jump and body tension. The first lifts most dancers learn are the small jump lift from fifth position, the assisted grand jeté, the shoulder sit and the press lift, before progressing to fish dives and full overhead lifts. Every lift is a team skill: the lifted dancer’s timing, plié and core strength matter as much as the partner’s arms, and good lifts look effortless because both dancers do their part at exactly the same moment.
This guide explains how partnered lifts work, the main basic lifts and how to learn them, the roles of each partner, safety principles, and a practice progression.
How partnered lifts work
A lift is built from three phases. First, the preparation: both dancers plié together so the lifted dancer can push off the floor. Second, the lift itself: the lifted dancer jumps and tightens her body while the partner uses his legs, not just his arms, to raise her, keeping her weight close to his centre. Third, the landing: the partner controls the descent so she lands softly through her feet and plié. When the timing is right, the partner is lifting a light, springy dancer instead of dead weight.
Basic lifts to learn first
| Lift | What it looks like | Key for the lifted dancer | Key for the partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small jump lift | A sauté from fifth position with the partner lifting at the waist | Strong plié and pointed feet | Hands at the waist, lift with the legs |
| Assisted grand jeté | The partner adds height to a big leap | Full split and forward travel | Lift and carry forward with her momentum |
| Shoulder sit | The lifted dancer sits on the partner’s shoulder | Firm core and a strong push up | Stable stance and secure hold of the thigh |
| Press lift | The lifted dancer is raised overhead in a straight line | Total body tension, arms straight | Straight arms locked under her hips and chest |
| Fish dive | The lifted dancer dives forward, supported low near the floor | Hold the shape and trust the support | Deep lunge and a firm hold at the thigh and waist |
The lifted dancer’s role
The lifted dancer controls far more of the lift than audiences realise. She must plié deeply and jump at exactly the right moment, then hold her body as one tight unit, core engaged, shoulders down and legs held in position. A soft or late jump makes the partner lift dead weight and can cause injury. She also needs to keep her own shape in the air, so strong feet, extended legs and a lifted chest are all part of the job. Finally, she lands with control, rolling through the foot into a quiet plié.
The partner’s role
The partner’s main job is to support and lift using the legs, keeping the lifted dancer’s weight close to his own centre of gravity. His hands are usually placed at her waist or hips, with the thumbs at the back, and his arms straighten as she rises so the load goes through his skeleton rather than his biceps. He watches her movement, times his plié with hers, and guides her down smoothly. A good partner also communicates: small cues through the hands tell her when to prepare and when to jump.
Safety principles
- Learn in order. Master small lifts before attempting overhead lifts.
- Use a spotter. A teacher or third dancer should spot new lifts until they are secure.
- Warm up properly. Lifts put heavy loads on backs, shoulders and wrists.
- Communicate. Agree on counts and signals before every attempt.
- Never force a lift. If the timing is wrong, abort the lift and try again.
- Build strength outside class. Core work for the lifted dancer and leg and upper-body strength for the partner reduce injury risk.
A practice progression
| Stage | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1. Partnering basics | Supported pirouettes and promenades to build trust and hand placement |
| 2. Timing drills | Pliés and jumps together without leaving the floor |
| 3. Small lifts | Sautés from fifth with a lift at the waist |
| 4. Travelling lifts | Assisted grand jetés across the floor |
| 5. Held lifts | Shoulder sits and fish dives with a spotter |
| 6. Overhead lifts | Press lifts, only once strength and timing are secure |
Common mistakes
- Jumping late: the partner starts lifting dead weight.
- Soft middle: a loose core makes the lifted dancer hard to hold.
- Lifting with the arms only: strains the back and shoulders. Use the legs.
- Dancer held too far from the body: increases the load dramatically.
- Rushing the landing: heavy landings risk ankle and knee injuries.
Partnered lifts carry a real risk of back, shoulder and ankle injuries. Learn them only under a qualified teacher, with spotters, and build strength and technique gradually.
Building strength for partnering
Lifting well depends on strength and control from both dancers. The lifting partner needs strong legs, a stable core and good upper-back strength to lift with bent knees and a straight spine rather than pulling with the arms alone. The lifted dancer needs a strong core, powerful jumps and the ability to hold a firm, lengthened shape in the air, which makes her much easier to lift.
| Dancer | Useful exercises |
|---|---|
| Lifting partner | Squats, deadlifts with light loads, rows, push-ups and core stability work |
| Lifted dancer | Jump training, planks, back extensions and holding balances on demi-pointe |
| Both | Mobility for hips and shoulders, and regular rest days to recover |
Talking through each lift
Many partnering problems come from mismatched timing rather than weak technique. Before trying a lift at full speed, walk through it and agree on the count for the plié, the jump and the moment the partner lifts. Decide where the hands will go and what either dancer should say if they need to stop. Many pairs use a simple word such as “down” to bail out safely. A clear plan helps both dancers relax and makes the lift look smoother.
Partnering can strain the back, shoulders and wrists. Warm up fully, lift only under supervision when learning, and speak to a doctor or physiotherapist about any pain that lasts after class.
When students are ready to start
Most schools introduce partnering in the teenage years, once students have solid classical technique, good jumps and the strength to hold their own positions. Teachers usually begin with supported pirouettes and promenades before any lifts, so pairs learn to trust each other and share balance first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest ballet lift?
A small jump lift from fifth position, where the partner adds height to a simple sauté.
Who does more work in a lift?
Both dancers. The lifted dancer’s jump and body tension make the lift possible, while the partner supports and controls it.
When do ballet students start partnering?
Usually in the teenage years at pre-professional level, once both dancers have strong technique and strength.
