A manège is a sequence of turns or jumps that travels in a large circle around the stage. It often appears in codas and variations, like the chaînés and piqué turns that finish many classical solos.
Common manège steps
| Step | Used by |
|---|---|
| Chaînés turns | Women and men, fast linked turns |
| Piqué turns | Women, often on pointe |
| Tour jeté (jeté entrelacé) | Men and women, big turning leaps |
| Coupé jeté en tournant | Often men, powerful traveling jumps |
Technique tips
- Spot along the circle: choose points around the curve, not just one wall.
- Lean slightly into the circle without collapsing the waist.
- Keep the circle big and round: plan your path before starting.
- Stay on the music: manèges often build to a climax at the end.
- Finish strong: practice the final pose after the last turn.
Building stamina
- Run the full manège in rehearsal, not just sections.
- Add cardio like interval runs or cycling.
- Practice on different floors and stages.
Frequently asked questions
What does manège mean?
It comes from the French for a riding ring, describing the circular path.
How do dancers avoid dizziness in a manège?
Quick, clear spotting and practice.
Where do manèges appear?
Often in codas and virtuoso variations in classical ballets.
