Turn/Around
What is a chaîné
A chain of turns
pas de chat
step of the cat
The legs are turned out from the hips, not just the feet, with knees pointing in the same direction as the toes. The arms are generally kept in a low, soft circle in front of the torso.
First position
passé
to pass
port de bras
carriage of the arms
What is tour
turns
també
to fall
Feet are in line with the legs in a 3rd position, but spread apart. One arm raised forward, one arm out to the side.
Fourth Position
coupé
to cut
sauté
to jump
What is pirouette
whirrling
pas de bourrée
step back side front
Feet are placed apart to the side, maintaining turnout, with a space of approximately one foot-length between the heels. Heels should be in a straight line, with the knees directly over the toes. Arms are held out to the sides, slightly in front of the shoulders, creating a gentle curve.
Second position
tendu
to point/stretch
battement
beating
what is soutenu
to sustain
glissade
to glide
Both feet are turned out from the hips, not the ankles. The heel of the front foot aligns with the toe of the back foot. The legs are tightly crossed, making them appear as one unit from the front. Arms are usually up above in a slightly curved circular shape.
relevé
to rise
en croix
in the shape of a cross
What is ron de jamb
round of the leg
jeté
throwing steps
The front heel touches the center/instep of the back foot. Both legs are fully rotated outward from the hip joints. One arm is rounded in front of the body while the other arm is extended to the side.
Third position
degagé
to disengage
arabesque
position of the body on one leg in profile