Definition

1. Noun:

   • A gliding or sliding step in ballet: In ballet, a "glissade" is a smooth, gliding step where the dancer moves from one position to another, typically with a transfer of weight from one foot to the other, creating an illusion of sliding along the floor.
   • A controlled slide down a slope: In mountaineering or skiing, a "glissade" refers to the act of sliding down a steep, often snowy or icy, slope in a controlled manner, usually in a seated or crouching position.

2. Verb:

   • To perform a glissade in ballet: To execute the specific gliding ballet step.
   • To slide down a slope: To descend a slope, especially of snow or ice, by sliding in a controlled fashion.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The dancer's opening sequence featured a beautiful glissade to the corner of the stage.
  • After reaching the summit, the climbers made a quick descent via a glissade down the snowy couloir.

• Verb:

  • The choreographer instructed the corps de ballet to glissade from upstage to downstage.
  • It's safer to glissade down this icy slope with an ice axe for control.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Ballet Term: In ballet terminology, a "glissade" is often described as a linking step, used to connect larger jumps or to change position and direction. It is a fundamental movement in ballet technique.
• Mountaineering Technique: In this context, a "glissade" is a practical method for rapid descent. The term implies a deliberate, controlled slide, as opposed to an accidental fall.

Variants and Related Words

• Glissando (n): While not a variant, this is a related musical term for a glide between two notes. It shares the etymological root implying a smooth, sliding motion.
• Slide (v/n): A more general synonym for the action of moving smoothly along a surface.

Synonyms

• Noun (Ballet): Glide, slide.
• Noun/Verb (Mountaineering): Slide, skid, slip (though "slip" often implies less control).

Related Phrases

• Execute a glissade: To perform the ballet step.
• Perform a seated glissade: A common mountaineering instruction for a controlled slide down a slope while sitting.

Noun

1. (ballet) a gliding or sliding step in ballet

Verb

1. perform a glissade, in ballet