Ballet Terms
A series of exercises in the center practice consisting of a succession of slow and graceful movement.
What is Adagio?
Strong brush outward; "struck".
What is Battement Frappe?
This position of the body means "crossed".
What is Croise?
A curtsey usually at the end of class, in which the ballet dancers pay respect to and acknowledge the teacher and accompanist.
What is Reverence?
A low, preparatory position where both arms are slightly rounded with the fingers slightly away from the dancer's thighs ..also known as first position.
What is En Bas?
Assembled joined together; a spring off one foot to two feet.
What is Assemble?
This is stretched.
What is Tendu?
The working leg unfolds to a high position to the front, side or back.
What is Developpe?
Round of the leg on the ground, outwards.
What is Rond de jambe a terre en dehors?
Arms are out to the sides with an angle down and forward, palms facing forward.
What is A la Seconde?
Brisk, Lively, rapid steps that often include little jumps.
What is a 'petit' Allegro?
Arched or arching of the back.
What is Cambre?
This is interweaving or braiding... A jump where the leg crosses in the back(in the air) and lands back in front.
What is Entrechat?
Round of the leg on the ground, inward.
What is Rond de jambe a terre en dedans?
Arms are rounded in front in line with the navel.
What is En Avant?
Beating. A beating action of the working leg.
What is Battement?
Change of feet...a small jump from fifth to fifth position.
What is Changement de pieds?
A term used to tell you that the exercise will be done front, side, back, side; in the shape of a cross.
What is En croix?
Round of the leg in the air.
What is Rond de jambe en l'air?
Arms are rounded in an oval above the head in fifth position.
What is En Haut?
Melting; the working foot "melts" into the bent supporting leg.
What is Fondu?
To cut...One foot is "cutting away" the other foot to replace it.
What is Coupe?
A character step of the National dances of the Basque that has been adapted for ballet use.
What is Pas de basque?
A jump from two feet to one foot.
What is Sissone?
This is carriage of the arms.
What is Port de Bras?