Random Ballet Terms
A theatrical art form using dance, music, and scenery to convey a story
What is Ballet
The basic positions (5) that were created in 1670
What are the five ballet positions
Position where heels are touching and arms are curved in front of the body as if holding a beach ball
What is First Position
Developé
What is"to develop"
"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
The wood or metal railing either on two legs or fastened to the dance studio wall, which is used for stretching and various ballet warm-ups
What is Barre
Shoes with hard soles and boxes around the toes so that dancers can stand on the top of their toes
What are pointe shoes
The position where your feet are heel-toe and both arms are raised above your head slightly curved
What is Fifth Position
Échappé
What is "to escape"
A glide starting with the back foot
What is Glissade(Derriere)
This term literally means to rise or rise to the toes. A movement in which the heels are lifted off the ground and only the toes or balls of the feet are touching the floor.
What is Releve
Skirts made with tulle in ballet costuming
What is a tutu
Position where legs are apart, feet are turned out, and arms are out to the side with a slight curve
What is Second Position
Sauté
What is "to jump"
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
The carriage of arms or passage of arms from one position to another
What is Port de Bras
Dancing that is big and fast.
What is grande allegro!
Position where both feet are turned out in front of each other, with a space in between and one arm is above the head slightly curved with the other arm in front of the body slightly curved
What is Fourth Position
Rond de jambe
What is "round of the leg"
A series of many tiny steps done in releve or on point that make the dancer seem to glide on one leg across the stage
What are Bourees
A tight fifth position in releve. The literal definition is under-over
What is Sous-sus
The origin of the position B+
What is Balanchine
Position where both feet are turned out and the heel of the front foot is at the arch of the back foot, and one arm is above the head while the other arm is out to the side
What is Third Position
Dégagé
What is "disengage"
A jump where you take off of and land jump one leg, while the other leg brushes back to arabesque