Literal Definition
"Bent" or "folded"
What is Plier
"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 railing fastened to the dance studio wall, which is used for stretching and various ballet warm-ups
What is Barre
a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in which a young girl dreams of a magical world on Christmas Eve, where gingerbread soldiers, a Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy appea
What is the Nutcracker
Position where heels are touching and arms are curved in front of the body as if holding a beach ball
What is First Position
"Stretched or pulled"
What is Tendu
A series of many tiny steps done in releve or on point that make the dancer seem to glide across the stage
What are Bourees
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
a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in which a prince falls in love with a swan princess, cursed by an evil sorcerer, and they battle to break the curse
What is Swan Lake
The position where your feet are heel-toe and both arms are raised above your head slightly curved
What is Fifth Position
"To throw" or "Thrown"
What is a jete
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
A theatrical art form using dance, music, and scenery to convey a story
A ballet composed by French composer Adolphe Adam in which a peasant girl falls in love with a disguised prince, but his true identity is revealed, leading to her tragic death and her transformation into a Wili, a vengeful spirit
What is Giselle
Position where legs are apart, feet are turned out, and arms are out to the side with a slight curve
What is Second Position
"Chain" or "Link"
What is Chaine
A glide starting with the back foot
What is Glissade Derriere
A tight fifth position in releve. The literal definition is under-over
What is Sous-sus
a three-act ballet by Marius Petipa with music by Ludwig Minkus, tells the tragic story of eternal love, vengeance, and justice in a mystical Indian setting. The ballet features the iconic "Kingdom of the Shades" scene, showcasing a corps de ballet in white tutus
What is La Bayadère
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
"Disengaged"
What is Degage
a jump where the dancer leaps from two feet to land on one foot, with the legs appearing to open and close like scissors in the air
What is a sissonne
The carriage of arms or passage of arms from one position to another
What is Port de Bras
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