Grand pas

In classical ballet, a Grand pas, or Grand pas classique (French: [ɡʁɑ̃ pɑ]; literally meaning big or large classical step) is a suite of pure dance numbers that is devoid of dramatic action, serving strictly as the pièce de résistance in the context of a full-length ballet performance to showcase the talents of the principal dancers, demi-soloists, and occasionally the corps de ballet.

The Grand pas traditionally consists of a combination of particular dances: an Entrée (introduction to the suite where the dancers make their entrance); a Grand adage (adagio of the lead ballerina, partnered by the lead male dancer and occasionally other partners); a dance for the corps de ballet can be included; variations (solo dances) for the lead dancers demi-soloists; and finally the Coda (or Grand coda) concludes the suite.

The grand pas appears in a variety of formats and may employ varying numbers of dancers.

A well-known example of this is the first act of The Sleeping Beauty, consisting of the Rose Adagio grand adage, Dance for the Maids of Honor and Pages, Princess Aurora variation, and coda which is abruptly interrupted by the evil fairy Carabosse, who gives Princess Aurora a poisoned spindle.

This grand pas d'action tells an integral part of the story, with Princess Aurora choosing between four prospective princes and receiving a rose from each.