Sissonne: A Complete Guide to This Ballet Jump

Sissonne consists of a jump from both feet to one foot, except the sissonne fermée, the sissonne tombée, and the sissonne fondue, which end on two feet. On the other hand, this jump can be performed petite or grande. The petite sissonnes are the sissonne simple, the sissonne fermée, the sissonne ouverte at  45 degrees, and the sissonne tombée at 45 degrees. The grande sissonnes are the sissonne ouverte at  90 degrees, the sissonne fondue, the sissonne renversée, and the sissonne soubresaut. As you can see, there are many different forms of this movement. In this article, we’ll explain the most common forms of this step.

Petite Sissonnes

The defining factor between large and small jumps is the amplitude of the jump performed. In the case of petite sissonnes, the opening to be performed does not exceed 45 degrees.

Sissonne Simple

As its name suggests, this is the simplest version of this step. So, the study of this step should begin with the sissonne simple. How do we perform this movement?

1) Feet in 5th position

2) Perform a demi-plié

3) Jump with your legs together and your knees and toes extended.

4) Upon descending, the supporting leg remains in a demi-plié while the other foot makes a cou-de-pied

5) Finally, execute an assemblé backwards.

This jump is performed in place, devant, derrière, passée devant, and passée derrière, and can be performed en face or en tournant.

If you are a beginner, study this jump facing the barre with a carefully maintained turned-out position and a soft landing in demi-plié. Perform this step first to the front, then to the back. Then, from Second to Fifth landing in the sur le cou-de-pied, which opens into battement tendu, closes in Fifth and is ready to begin again. Repeat the whole exercise four times and reverse.

Sissonne Ouverte at 45 degrees (OPEN)

Sissonne ouverte  is a development of the previous movement. After the jump, the leg that was in cou-de-pied opens  45° to the side in second position, forward or backward.

To improve balance, beginners can lower their leg after the jump and open it in second position, or backward, with the toe on the ground.

The position of the arms varies depending on the final pose. For example, the step can end with an attitude derriere. In the case of this jump in petite mode, the leg is raised no more than 45°.

Sissonne Fermée at 45 degrees (CLOSED)

This jump has many variations. They are all performed in the same way, with only a change in direction. As for arm positions, there are a variety of bra ports that can be performed, always in coordination with the leg movements. The arms usually arrive in position a moment before the legs. The dancer can also, for example, keep their arms down in the preparatory position. In this case, we’ll explain two variations:

Sissonne Fermée en Avant:

1) Fifth position with right foot front

2) Do a demi-plié

3) Jump travelling forward and opening the left leg to the fourth position back low to the floor

4) Descend on the right foot in demi-plié and immediately glide your left foot along the floor to finish in demi-plié in the fifth position back.

Sissonne Fermée Dessus

This is a sissonne closed, travelled to the side.

1) Fifth position with right foot back. Do a demi-plié

2) Jump travelling to the left side and opening the right leg to the second position back low to the floor

3) Descend on the left foot in demi-plié and immediately glide your right foot along the floor to finish in demi-plié in the fifth position front.

Sissonne Tombée at 45 degrees

This movement is similar to the sissonne simple, except that it ends in second or fourth position with a tombée. In other words, it’s a compound step, consisting of a sissonne simple and a tombée. The same rules apply to this jump as for the sissonne simple. It is performed as follows:

1) Fifth position with right foot front

2) Execute a sissone simple devant

3) Immediately upon landing on the left foot, fall forward in demi-plié on the right foot in the fourth position front.

4) You may also perform this step to the fourth position back or to the second position.

Grande Sissonnes

These types of jumps are major preparatory steps for studying grand allegro. They are essential for building the substantial thigh and back strength necessary to perform grands jetes with good elevation and control upon landing.

Sissonne Ouverte at 90 degrees (OPEN)

In advanced classes, the jump is higher and stronger. The leg is raised at 90° in attitude, arabesque, écarté forward and backwards, etc. If performed forward, the posture will be attitude or arabesque backwards. The raised leg will bring the posture forward when the jump is backwards.

Tips for a perfect sissonne ouverte

• When landing from the jump, assume the designated posture (e.g., attitude derriere) with your whole body.
• Remember that you land on only one foot on this step. So, when descending with your foot in plié, shift your hips and torso forward over your supporting leg. This will help you keep your weight on the balls of your supporting foot while controlling and cushioning the landing.
• When landing, your weight is over the ball of your foot.

Sissonne Fondue

This is “sissonne sinking”. It is performed in the same way as sissonne fermée but with a higher jump and with the leg raised to 90 degrees. So, this movement is studied in the advanced classes.

In closing the step, don’t glide your second foot over the floor but softly place it down in demi-plié in the fifth position or placed sur le cou-de-pied. Also, you may perform this step in all the directions. As for the position of the arms and head, this varies depending on the pose required.

Sissonne Renversée

That means Sissonne upset. This is a term of the Russian School.

1) Fifth position croisé

2) Execute a sissonne ouverte en avant into attitude croisé

3) Immediately do a pas de bourrée en dehors, bending your body in renversée

Sissonne Soubresaut

This jump is executed like sissonne ouverte. However, at the start of the jump from the fifth position, both heels are kept together, as in soubresaut.

On the other hand, at the start of the jump, the body leans forward, and during flight, it leans back strongly. The execution must be very precise. This means that the legs, during flight, should not open or hit each other.

FAQ

What does the term “Sissonne” mean?

Generally, most ballet steps are designated by a name associated with their type of movement. But this movement is an exception to the rule. In this case, “sissonne” is a term that pays homage to its creator, François César de Roucy, Count of Sissonne (a commune in northern France). It is said that this count was an expert at performing this jump.

What are the difficulties in doing the sissonne?

The main challenges for young dancers are maintaining balance when landing, coordinating leg and arm movements, and mastering the strength needed for a controlled and graceful jump.

How to integrate the sissonne into a choreography?

The jump can be incorporated into a choreography to add dynamics and variety. It can be used as a transitional movement, an accent in a dance sequence, or as a performance element when performed with impeccable technique.

Conclusion

Each type of sissonne has its own characteristics. But in any type of this jump, you must make sure to take the supporting leg, hips, torso, and chest up, in the direction of the travel. On the other hand, maintain the alignment of your torso and head.