Jazz Dance I
The body is supported on one leg, feet may be turned out; the supporting leg may be flexed (bent) or locked while the working leg is extended to the back.
Arabesque
To unfold. A movement where the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l'air and held there with perfect control.
developpe
A series of three steps that may be taken in any direction.
pas de bourree
The carriage, placement, and movement of the arms.
port de bras
a handrail used in ballet exercises. They may be made of metal or of wood. They stand approximately at waist height and are over an inch and a half in diameter.
barre
shape of a cross
en croix
Bend the working leg with a pointed foot, and lift the leg until the arch of the foot meets the side of the knee on the supporting leg.
passe parallel
A lifting of the heels.
releve
A movement in which the working leg is lifted from the hip into the air and returned to the floor.
circling into the body
en dendans
Bend the working leg with a pointed foot, and lift the leg until the toe meets the side of the supporting leg. Legs and feet rotate outward from the hip joints.
passe turned out
A large jump is done from one foot to the other in which the leading leg is developed en l'air.
Saut de chat
Turning movement in which the dancer executes a half turn with each foot.
chaine
circling away from the body
en dehors
to bend the knees
plie
Any movement where the feet leave the floor.
saute
to disengage
degage
A large jump is done from one foot to the other in which the leading leg is brushed en l'air.
grand jete
A spinning turn is done on one foot.
pirouette
stretched. The beginning portion and ending portion of a grand battement. The working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position without lifting the toe from the ground. Both knees must be kept straight.
tendu