How to Pas de Bourree Turn in Jazz Dancing

Pas de bourree is a French term frequently used in many forms of dance, including ballet and jazz. The term literally means that the dancer is performing three quick steps. Depending on the choreography of the entire dance, the pas de bourree will vary.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Pas de Bourree

1. Begin standing upright with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Move your right leg about 1 foot to the right. Point the toes of your right foot toward the right as you step.
3. Cross your left leg behind your right leg while still keeping your heels off the floor.
4. Shift your weight to your left leg as you step your right leg about 1 foot to the right. Your heels shouldn't be touching the floor at all. You've now completed one pas de bourree, but you're going to continue the series by performing another pas de bourree to your left side.
5. Put your weight on your left leg as you step to the right.
6. Move your right leg behind your left leg in the same way you moved your left leg in step 3.
7. Place your weight on your right leg as you move your left leg about 1 foot toward the left. You should be on the balls of both feet with your heels off the floor.

Pas de Bourree Turn

8. Begin in the above section, step 1, and complete step 2.
9. Turn toward your left while performing step 3 above.
10. Step on your right leg as you turn toward the front, keeping your weight evenly distributed on both legs.
11. Perform a pas de bourree toward the left by reversing the movements you just did.

Tips & Warnings

• Study French in your spare time. Many ballet terms have a French origin, and learning this language is very helpful.