How to Perform a Chasse

A chasse is a series of 2 or 3 side steps. The feet come together on the second step. The name is derived from "to chase," because one foot is essentially chasing the other. A chasse can be done solo or with a partner. Many types of dance incorporate the chasse into a routine. To perform a chasse (pronounced sha-say), a dancer must have good balance and properly soled shoes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dance partner
• Ten foot wide open space
• Dance floor
• Shoes
• Music

Perform the Lateral Chasse

1. Bend your knees, leaning slightly forward, and extend one leg to the right.
2. Lift up on the left leg and quickly glide it along the floor until it is next to your right leg. This move should glide in a flowing way, not hopping or skipping.
3. Hold the position with your legs and knees together, putting most of your weight on your toes and repeat.
4. Chasse in the opposite direction. Typically, dancers chasse in both directions an equal number of times.

Perform the Turning Chasse

5. Hold onto your partner and bend your left knee while extending your right leg either forward, backwards or diagonally. The most common direction is diagonally in traditional dances.
6. Swing your partner in the direction of the extended right leg while you glide your left leg along the floor to meet the right foot.
7. Take turns extending the right and left legs. Each time the opposite leg meets the extended leg, pause before repeating. In international dances, the woman will sometimes bow after a chasse.

Practice Your Chasse

8. Clear a space in your home or outside about 10 feet long.
9. Begin to chasse across the space. Meet your feet together at least five times. You may chasse laterally, diagonally, forward or backwards.
10. Return from the direction you were heading by performing a wide circle turning chasse and continue back to your starting point. Repeat a few times.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider practicing your chasses at home a few times a week. This will make the move more natural for you to perform and then you can incorporate it into your dancing more easily.
• Add distinct arm movements to your chasse. This will enhance the move with upper body creativity and allow it to be more visually appealing to audiences.
• Rubber soled shoes should be avoided when attempting to perform a chasse.
• Avoid locking the legs at any time. You should always keep the knees bent, even when extended, to prevent injury.