Ballet Terms
This movement means “to bend” in ballet.
What is plié?
If you are walking toward the audience, you are moving in this direction.
What is downstage?
This position places the working leg crossed in front of the body.
What is croisé devant?
This theatre term means the time you must arrive ready to work.
What is call time?
This is the area at the front of the stage in front of the proscenium arch.
What is the apron?
This ballet term means “to chase.”
What is chassé?
If you are walking away from the audience, you are moving in this direction.
What is upstage?
This open position places the working leg front and away from the body.
What is effacé devant?
This rehearsal adds lights, sound, and technical elements.
What is a tech rehearsal?
This is the area behind the stage where performers prepare.
What is backstage?
A dancer flying through the air with straight legs and pointed feet is performing this step.
What is a jeté?
This direction is to the performer’s right when facing the audience.
What is stage right?
This position has the working leg extended to the side.
What is à la seconde?
This rehearsal is when the show is run in full costume.
What is a dress rehearsal?
This is where performers change costumes and get ready.
What are dressing rooms?
This ballet term means “to stretch” or “to lengthen the foot along the floor.”
What is tendu?
This direction is to the performer’s left when facing the audience.
What is stage left?
This position places the working leg crossed behind the body.
What is croisé derrière?
This is when the general audience is invited to attend the show.
What is a performance?
This arch frames the stage and separates performers from the audience.
What is the proscenium arch?
This ballet movement means “to kick” or “to beat.”
What is battement?
If you are standing in the middle of the stage, you are in this location.
What is center stage?
This position places the working leg back in fourth position.
What is à la quatrième derrière?
This rehearsal is when dancers plan, create, and practice choreography.
What is a studio rehearsal?
This term refers to the entire performance area.
What is the stage?