In ballet, a variation (sometimes referred to as a pas seul, meaning to dance alone) is a solo dance. In a classical grand pas de deux, the ballerina and danseur each perform a variation. Examples La Bayadère – Gamzatti, Nikiya Coppélia – Swanhilda Le Corsaire – Medora Diana and Acteon – Diana Don Quixote – Basilio, Kitri, Cupid The Nutcracker – Sugar Plum Fairy Sleeping Beauty – Bluebird Swan Lake – Odile (the Black Swan) References Variation (ballet)