Basic Movements
Which movement describes: bending of the knees, first exercise performed, most important step in ballet because it allows knees and ankles to absorb force of movements in fluid, spring-like way that makes dancing look elegant and effortless?
What is plier (to stretch)?
What is a term used by dancers and teachers for the leg that supports the body so that the working leg is free to execute a given movement?
What is the supporting leg?
Which direction is a position to the back or behind?
What is derrière?
Which direction is "crossed" or a diagonal position to a corner where the legs are crossed?
What is croisé?
Which movement describes: sliding movement of feet against floor like ice skating, smooth brushing of foot propels leg into extension and off ground?
What is glisser (to glide)?
Which movement describes: done in a darting manner just above the surface of the floor with strongly stretched legs and pointed toes, relates to jump along rather than up?
What is élancer (to dart)?
Which direction is to the front?
What is devant?
Which direction is "shaded" or a diagonal position to a corner where the legs are not crossed?
What is effacé?
Which movement describes: natural progression from relevé the dancer pushes off from plié into the air leaving the floor with pointed toes and extended legs?
What is sauter (to jump)?
What is a term used by dancers and teachers to denote the leg that is executing a given movement while the weight of the body is on the supporting leg?
What is the working leg?
Which direction is moving to the front?
What is en avant?
Which direction is "wide open" or a position to the side on a diagonal?
What is écarté?
Which movement describes: any turning of the body, can be done in place, across the floor, or in the air on one leg or two?
What is tourner (to turn around)?
What is a term used to describe the carriage of the arms, a movement or series of movements made by passing the arm or arms through various positions?
What is port de bras?
Which direction is moving to the back?
What is en arrière?
Which direction is facing the audience/front?
What is en face?
Which movement describes: lifting of heels off the ground to balance on ball of the foot, builds strength in entire body, especially foot, ankle, and calf muscles
What is relever (to rise)?
What movement describes: stretching toe, ankle, and knee, resulting in straight leg aesthetic with a pointed toe, follows pliés and is critical for developing foot and leg strength?
What is étendre (to stretch)?
Which direction is to the side/second position?
What is à la seconde?
What is another term that is used to describe en face?
What is a la quaterieme?