Chasse vs. Sashay — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 30, 2024
Chasse emphasizes a gliding dance step, where one foot chases the other, while sashay highlights a confident, often showy movement across a floor.
Difference Between Chasse and Sashay
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chasse is a dance term that describes a specific sliding movement where the dancer moves one foot to the side and then the other foot follows it, creating a seamless and fluid motion. It is often found in ballet and ballroom dancing, emphasizing grace and precision. On the other hand, sashay refers to a type of movement that involves gliding or strutting in a confident manner, often with a slight sway. This term is used more broadly, not just in dance but also to describe a way of walking with flair or confidence in everyday life.
While chasse is characterized by its technicality and is a foundational step taught in dance classes, focusing on the technique and placement of feet, sashay is more about the attitude and presentation. It’s less about the exact footwork and more about the overall effect of the movement, making it common in both formal dance settings and informal contexts where someone wants to make an impression.
In terms of application, chasse is often a part of structured choreographies and sequences, requiring practice to execute correctly. It serves as a building block for more complex dance combinations. Sashay, however, can be impromptu and is adaptable to various settings, from a dramatic entrance at a party to a performer commanding the stage.
Chasse movements are typically quick and require a good sense of balance and coordination, as the dancer must maintain a smooth trajectory while their feet "chase" each other. Sashay movements, while also potentially quick, prioritize smoothness and style over speed, and the emphasis is on the sway of the hips and the projection of confidence rather than on the technical precision of the steps.
Chasse and sashay, while both involve lateral movement, differ in their cultural associations and contexts. Chasse is more closely associated with traditional dance forms and is executed in a variety of dance styles across cultures. Sashay, with its more generalized meaning, is often seen in social situations, fashion, and drag culture, embodying a bold and expressive attitude.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A dance step where one foot chases the other in a sliding move
A confident, gliding walk with a slight sway
Origin
Ballet and ballroom dancing
Broad usage in dance, fashion, and expressive movement
Technical Focus
Precision, technique, and foot placement
Attitude, presentation, and style
Cultural Context
Traditional dance forms
Social situations, fashion, and drag culture
Common Usage
Structured choreographies and sequences
Informal contexts, dramatic entrances, and performances
Compare with Definitions
Chasse
Used in ballroom and folk dances.
They practiced the chasse step, moving in sync to the music.
Sashay
To walk with confidence and flair.
She sashayed across the room, turning heads with her poise.
Chasse
A side-to-side step.
The choreography incorporated a series of chasses, adding dynamism to the performance.
Sashay
Used in square dancing.
The caller instructed the dancers to sashay to their partners.
Chasse
Part of dance education.
In her dance class, she learned the chasse as a fundamental step.
Sashay
Symbolizes boldness and expression.
With a sashay, he entered the stage, exuding confidence.
Chasse
Requires coordination and balance.
Mastering the chasse took hours of practice, focusing on the precise movement of the feet.
Sashay
A strut, often with a sway.
The model sashayed down the runway, showcasing the designer's latest creation.
Chasse
A ballet term meaning "to chase".
The dancer executed a flawless chasse, her feet gliding across the floor.
Sashay
In fashion and performance.
The drag queen's sashay captivated the audience, embodying the essence of drag culture.
Chasse
A ballet movement consisting of one or more quick gliding steps with the same foot always leading.
Sashay
Walk in an ostentatious yet casual manner, typically with exaggerated movements of the hips and shoulders
Louise was sashaying along in a long black satin dress
Chasse
To perform this movement.
Sashay
Perform the sashay
Ladies center, men sashay, left allemande
Chasse
Alternative spelling of chassé
Sashay
(in American square dancing) a figure in which partners circle each other by taking sideways steps
Roll away with a half sashay, then face your original partner
Chasse
Ellipsis of chasse-café
Sashay
To walk or proceed, especially in an easy or casual manner.
Chasse
A reliquary casket.
Sashay
To strut or flounce in a showy manner
Sashaying around the dinner party in his fancy new clothes.
Chasse
Alternative spelling of chassé
Sashay
To perform the chassé in dancing.
Chasse
A movement in dancing, as across or to the right or left.
Sashay
To move in a sideways manner.
Chasse
A small potion of spirituous liquor taken to remove the taste of coffee, tobacco, or the like; - originally chasse-café, lit., "coffee chaser."
Sashay
A chassé.
Chasse
To make the movement called chassé; as, all chassé; chassé to the right or left.
Sashay
An excursion; an outing.
Chasse
(ballet) quick gliding steps with one foot always leading
Sashay
A figure in square dancing in which partners circle each other by taking sideways steps.
Chasse
Perform a chasse step, in ballet
Sashay
A chassé.
Sashay
A sequence of sideways steps in a circle in square dancing.
Sashay
(intransitive) To walk casually, showily or in a flirty manner; to strut, swagger or flounce.
Sashay
(intransitive) To chassé when dancing.
Sashay
(intransitive) To move sideways.
Sashay
A square dance figure; partners circle each other taking sideways steps
Sashay
(ballet) quick gliding steps with one foot always leading
Sashay
A journey taken for pleasure;
Many summer excursions to the shore
It was merely a pleasure trip
After cautious sashays into the field
Sashay
Move sideways
Sashay
To walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others;
He struts around like a rooster in a hen house
Sashay
Perform a chasse step, in ballet
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to sashay?
To sashay means to walk or move with confidence and a bit of a swagger, often with a noticeable sway.
Is chasse only for professional dancers?
While chasse is a technical step taught in dance, amateurs can learn it too with practice and dedication.
Are there different types of chasses?
Yes, there are variations of the chasse across different dance styles, each with its own specific technique.
What is a chasse?
A chasse is a dance step where one foot chases the other in a gliding motion, common in ballet and ballroom dancing.
Can anyone sashay?
Yes, anyone can sashay. It's about moving with confidence and a bit of flair, regardless of the setting.
How does sashay differ from a regular walk?
A sashay is more stylized and expressive than a regular walk, characterized by a confident swagger and often a sway.
Do all dancers learn the chasse?
Most dancers in ballet, ballroom, and folk dances learn the chasse as part of their foundational skills.
Is sashay a technical dance move?
Sashay is less about technical precision and more about the attitude and style of the movement.
What occasions are appropriate for sashaying?
Sashaying can be fitting for social events, performances, or anytime one wishes to convey confidence and style.
How do you perform a chasse?
Perform a chasse by sliding one foot to the side and then quickly bringing the other to meet it, in a smooth, chasing motion.
How important is posture in executing a chasse?
Proper posture is crucial in executing a chasse effectively, ensuring the movement is graceful and fluid.
Can sashay be used in dance?
Absolutely, sashay is used in various dance forms, especially in performances requiring flair and personality.
What skills are needed for a chasse?
Balance, coordination, and the ability to control and glide one's feet smoothly are essential for a chasse.
What makes a chasse challenging for beginners?
The need for precise footwork, balance, and the ability to glide smoothly makes the chasse challenging for beginners.
Can sashay be considered a form of expression?
Yes, sashaying is often seen as a form of expression, embodying confidence, boldness, and personal style.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
