Literal Definitions
Disengaged
What is Degage
A series of many tiny steps done in releve or on point that make the dancer seem to glide across the stage
What are Bourees
The carriage of arms or passage of arms from one position to another
What is Port de Bras
a classical ballet term meaning “change” but as a jump. A dancer performs a jump from fifth position with the feet, jumping and changing the foot position in the air so they land with the opposite foot in front.
A position where the body is supported on one leg, with the other leg extended directly behind the body with a straight knee
What is an arabesque
"To fall"
What is tombe
A "pricked" traveling turn which starts with the working leg in a demi plie and springing up to a turned-out passe position while the supporting leg is straightened
What is Pique
A tight fifth position releve. The literal definition is under-over
What is Sous-su
a classical ballet term meaning “big throw.” It describes a big jump where the dancer throws one leg into the air, pushes off the floor with the other, jumping into the air and landing again on the first leg.
What is a grand jete
A term used to describe a lowering of the body made by bending the knee of the supporting leg.
What is a fondu
"Chain" or "Link"
What is Chaine
a step where a dancer moves while alternating balance between their feet. The rhythm is usually in three counts like a waltz and has the motion of going “down, up, down” with their legs.
What is a balance
a classical ballet term meaning “arched.” When a dancer is doing this movement, their body is bent from the waist and stretching backward with the head following the movement of the upper body and arms.
What is a cambre
A ballet dancer can make a jump more difficult by adding this. Its basically the same as the french word “battu”
What is a beat
A movement where the dancers working leg is drawn up to a passe and then extended.
What is a developpe
"Stretched or Pulled"
What is Tendu
"To Chase," a slide or gallop done by pushing the leading foot along the floor in a plie and springing up into the air where both legs meet stretched
What is chasse
A dancer does this movement with their legs and feet. Starting in a closed position, usually fifth position with the feet, the dancer slides both feet out equally into either second or fourth position.
What is echappe
a jump in which the dancer rises low off of the floor and the two feet are brought together in the air before the dancer lands in fifth position
Assemble
A classical ballet term meaning “in the shape of a cross.” This term is usually used in ballet class and lets a dancer know the step should be done to the front, side and then back
What is En Croix
"On the neck of foot"
What is Cou de Pied
A glide starting with the back foot
What is a Glissade
A series of quick, jumping steps is called this, also the Italian term for the tempo at which the music is playing
What is allegro
Turning of the body while executing a jump
Jete en tournant
Like a bell. Refers to grands battements executed continuously devant and derrire through the first position
What is En Cloche