In Cecchetti Grade 2, what is passé?

• A. The working foot passes by the knee to prepare for extension.
• B. A jumping action that changes feet in the air.
• C. A breathing technique used during port de bras.
• D. A head-turning cue used to spot turns.

Answer: (A)

Passé is the moment when the working foot moves up the leg and passes by the knee, creating a preparatory shape for the next movement. In Cecchetti Grade 2, this is understood as the foot coming to the knee area and then continuing into extension or another position. That makes the description “the working foot passes by the knee to prepare for extension” the best fit, because it captures the essential idea of a poised, preparatory placement of the foot on the way to a fuller extension. The other options describe a jump, a breathing technique, or a spotting cue—none of which define passé.