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Releve: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

Welcome to the releve, a fundamental beginner move from classical ballet! Sometimes called a ballet releve, this step is simply rising onto the balls of your feet. You will see this graceful, foundational movement in ballet-inspired fitness routines and barre workouts. It builds wonderful calf strength and helps you practice your balance while keeping your posture tall and proud.

Step card

Count
often over 2 counts (up, down)
Level
Beginner
Found in
Ballet
In short
Rising onto the balls of the feet

How to do it

  1. Start in a comfortable standing position with your feet together or slightly apart.
  2. Pull your core in tight and keep your spine tall.
  3. On count 1 (up), press firmly into the floor and rise onto the balls of both feet.
  4. Hold your balance at the top for a brief moment.
  5. On count 2 (down), slowly lower your heels back to the floor with control.

Tips

  • Keep your weight centered over your big toes to prevent your ankles from rolling outward.
  • Imagine a string pulling the top of your head straight up toward the ceiling to maintain a tall posture.
  • Control your descent rather than dropping your heels heavily to the floor.

Common mistakes

  • Rolling ankles. Press through your big toes to keep your ankles straight and stable.
  • Dropping heels fast. Resist gravity on the way down to build more control and strength.
  • Leaning forward. Keep your shoulders stacked directly over your hips as you rise.

Variations and practice

  • Practice your releve in different ballet foot positions, like with your heels touching and toes turned out.
  • Try lifting a foot off the floor during the releve to challenge your balance even more.
  • Add a plie (a small knee bend) before you rise up to give your movement a more dynamic, springing feel.

Related steps

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.