Ballet Terms Online - Dictionary of basic Ballet moves Adage, Adagio [French: a-DAHZH] Adage means “slow, sustained” movement and has two meanings in Ballet: 1st meaning: A series of movements following the centre practice, consisting of slow and graceful movements which may be simple or complex, performed with as much fluidity and ease as possible. This helps the dancer build strength and control as the movements are slow. The steps may include attitude, arabesque, développé, grande rond de jambe, and plié, and others. 2nd meaning: The opening section of the classical pas de deux, in which the ballerina is partnered by a male partner. Together they perform slow movements in which the male partner lifts, supports or carries the lady. The lady dancer will usually perform développés, pirouettes, arabesques and more. Air, en l’ [ahn lehr] In the air In the air means that a movement will be made in the air. For example, rond de jambe en l’air. And that the working leg will be raised to a horizontal position with the toe on the level of the hip.

Allégro [a-lay-GROH; Italian: al-LAY-groh] In Ballet terms, Allegro means fast, lively movements and jumps. All steps of elevation such as the sautés, jetés, entrechat, cabriole, assemblé and others are under this classification. The dancers must show smooth and light movements to make it look right. Arabesque [a-ra-BESK] Arabesque is one of the most popular basic Ballet moves. It is a position supported on one leg, which can be straight or in demi-plié, with the other leg extended behind and at right angles to it, and the arms held in various positions creating the longest possible lines from the fingertips outward. It can be found in almost every classical and modern Ballet today. Watch video: Arabesque Video Arrière, en [ah na-RYEHR] Means to go backward. Used to indicate that a step is executed moving away from the audience. Assemblé [a-sahn-BLAY] Simply put it means when two legs are joined together in the air. It is when the dancer shoots one leg up into the air and then jumps the second leg to join the two legs together in the air.

Usually the dancer will land in fifth position of plie after the jump. Attitude [a-tee-TEWD] It is a standing position on one leg with the other leg lifted in the front or the back with the knee bent at an angle of 90 degrees and well turned out so that the knee is higher than the foot. The supporting foot may be à terre, sur la pointe or sur la demi-pointe. The arm on the side of the raised leg is held over the head in a curved position while the other arm is extended to the side. Avant, en [ah na-VAHN] Avant means to the front or Forward. A direction for the execution of a step. Used to indicate that a given step is executed moving forward, toward the audience. Balancé [ba-lahn-SAY] It is a step that rocks or swings from foot to foot. The dancer will alternate their weight from foot to foot in this movement. Ballerina [bahl-lay-REE-rlah (Italian)] It used to mean the principal female dancer in a ballet company. In the days of the Russian Imperial Theatres the title was given to the outstanding soloists who danced the chief classical roles.

Nowdays this term simply means a female ballet dancer. The leading female dancer will usually be referred to as “principal dancer” these days. Ballet foot positions The 5 main foot positions in Ballet including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th positions. Each position is different and is required for specific movements. Watch video: 5 Ballet Foot Positions (2 Videos) Ballet master, ballet mistress The person in a ballet company whose duty is to give the daily company class and to rehearse the ballets in the company repertoire. They are part of “staff” and work together with dancers and with directors. Balletomane A ballet fan. The word was invented in Russia in the early nineteenth century. Someone who adores Ballet. Ballon [ba-LAWN] Ballon means “to bounce”. The dancer must demonstrate a jump with ease and lightness. After the jump, the dancer would pause mid air for a moment and then softly descend with ease. Barre [bar] The horizontal wooden bar attached to the walls of the ballet classroom which the dancer holds for support. Every ballet class begins with exercises at the bar. Battement [bat-MAHN] Means “beating”.

There are two types of battements, grands battements and petits battements. It is when a dancer extends his/her leg to the front, back or side. Battement dégagé [bat-MAHN day-ga-ZHAY] Means disengaged battement. A term from the Cecchetti method. The battement dégagé is like the battement tendu but is done at twice the speed and the working foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe. Battement fondu développé [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW] It means “battement sinking down”. During a battement fondu, a dancer’s standing leg is slowly bent in fondu with the working foot pointing on the ankle. As the dancer’s standing leg straightens, the working leg also extends to a straight position in the air or with the toes on the floor. Battement développé [bat-MAHN dayv-law-PAY] “Battement developed”. It is when the dancer developes their leg to the front, back or side from fifth position.

Battement frappé [bat-MAHN fra-PAY] A movement in which the dancer quickly extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front, side or back. This exercise strengthens the toes and thighs and develops the power of elevation. Battement petit [puh-TEE bat-MAHN] Small battement on the ankle. An exercise where one leg is extended and moved forward and backward from the ankle of the standing/supporting leg. Battement tendu [bat-MAHN tahn-DEW] Means “Battement stretched”. It is where one leg is extended until the point of the stretched foot barely touches the ground. Both knees must be kept straight. When the foot reaches the position pointe tendue, it then returns to the first or fifth position. They can be done in demi-plié in the first or fifth position. Watch video: How to do a Tendu in Ballet Battement, grand [grahn bat-MAHN] Means “Large battement”. A movement in which the leg is lifted to hip level or higher and held straight. This must be done with ease to give the feeling of effortlessness.

The function of grands battements is to loosen the hip joints and turn out the legs from the hips. Watch video: Grand Battement Video Battu [ba-TEW] means “Beaten”. When a step requires the striking of the legs together. As, for example, in jeté battu. Bras [brah] Means “Arms”. Bras bas [brah bah] Means “low” or “down”. Indicates to the dancer to lower their arms down. This is the dancer’s resting position or beginning position. Brisé [bree-ZAY] Means “Broken, breaking”. It is a jump and the working leg brushes to the second position and meets the other leg in front of or behind in the air. Finally both feet land in fifth position. This is similar to an assemblé but with traveling. Brisé volé [bree-ZAY vaw-LAY] Means “Flying brisé”. In this brisé the dancer finishes on one foot after the beat, the other leg crossed either front or back. Cavalier The male partner of the female ballerina.

Choreographer, choregrapher This is the dance term applied to the person who composes or invents ballets or dances. Corps de ballet [kawr duh ba-LAY] This Ballet term refers to those ballet dancers who dance as a group (not as soloists). Cabriole [ka-bree-AWL] A jump. The working leg swings into the air as the supporting leg pushes off the ground and beats against the first leg. Finally the dancer lands on the standing leg. Cabrioles are divided into two categories: petite, which are executed at 45 degrees, and grande, which are executed at 90 degrees. Cecchetti method Enrico Cecchett was one of the world’s outstanding teachers of ballet. He founded a program of strict routine that included daily exercises for each day of the week to work on the technique of classical Ballet. The Cecchetti Society was formed in London in 1922 to perpetuate his method of teaching. Center practice The “Center” is a classical ballet term which typically refers to the portion of class where the exercises are done away from the barre and in the center of the room.

The exercises performed are similar to the ones done at the barre but also include more advanced steps because there is more space. Chaînés [sheh-NAY] Means “Chains, links”. This is the most simple term for “turns”. The dancer performs a series of traveling turns by quick steps that involve alternating feet. Changement [shahnzh-MAHN] Means “Change of feet”. After a jump, the dancer will change feet in the air and alighting in the fifth position with the opposite foot in the front. They are done petit and grand. Chassé [sha-SAY] Means “to chase”. It is where one foot extends out in front and then the back foot chases the front foot and very quickly the front foot shoots out again forward. They are usually done in series. Cinq [senk] Means “five”. Not a Ballet step. It is used to indicate the number of repetitions a dancer must perform. Coda It means the final section of a ballet. And has two meanings: (1) The finale of a classical ballet in which all the principal dancers perform with their partners. (2) The final dance of the classic pas de deux, pas de trois or pas de quatre.

Corps [kawr] Simple means “Body” in french. Côté, de [duh koh-TAY] Means “Sideways”. Used to indicate that a step is to be made to the side, either to the right or to the left. Cou-de-pied, sur le [sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY] On the “Neck” of the foot. The working foot is placed on the part of the leg between the base of the calf and the beginning of the ankle. Coupé jeté en tournant [koo-PAY zhuh-TAY ahn toor-NAHN] It is basically a split jeté with a turn in between. Couru [koo-REW] Means “Running”. Done or executed with a running step. Croisé, croisée [kmJah-ZAY] Means “Crossed”. It indicates one of the directions of the shoulders. A Croise position is where it looks crossed from the audience perspective. Danse [dahnss] Danse de caractère [dahnss duh ka-rak-TEHR] Dance of character. Any national, cultural or folk dance.

Dedans, en [ahn duh-DAHN] Means “Inward”. The term “inward” is always attached to another Ballet term to describe the direction it should move. Dehors, en [ahn duh-AWR] Means “Outward”. It is a word attached to another term to describe which way the step should go. Demi-plié [duh-MEE-plee-AY] Means “Half-bend of the knees”. It is half of a Plie (See plie). It is a graceful bending of the knees while externally turning out the feet and hips. Both feet stay on the floor the entire time during demi-plie. Demi-pointes, sur les [sewr lay duh-mee-PWENT] Indicates that the dancer is to stand high on the balls of the feet and under part of the toes. Derrière [deh-RYEHR] Means “Behind, back”. This term may refer to a movement, position or direction for another step or term. Dessous [duh-SOO] Means “Under”. Indicates that the arm or leg should pass behind the other. Dessus [duh-SEW] Means “Over”.

Indicates that the working foot passes in front of the supporting foot. As, for example, in pas de bourrée dessus. Deux [duh] Means “Second”. Devant [duh-VAHN] Means “In front”. This term is used to describe a step, movement or direction of another term. Développé [tahn dayv-law-PAY] Means “developing movement”. A développé is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the standing leg and slowly extended (develops) to an open position in the air with control. It requires great balance and strong center! Diagonale, en [ahn dya-gaw-NAL] Means “In a diagonal” direction. Indicates that a step/movement is to be done traveling in a diagonal direction. Divertissement [dee-vehr-tees-MAHNLAY] Means “Diversion, enjoyment”. Pieces of Ballet choreography called “entrées,” inserted into a classic ballet. These short dances are calculated to display the talents of individuals or groups of dancers. They are meant to add more dances to a full production ballet. Double [DOO-bluh] Means “Double”.

As, for example, describing the number of pirouettes (a double pirouette). Écarté [ay-har-TAY] Means “Separated, thrown wide apart”. Écarté is one of the eight directions of the body, Cecchetti method. Facing any corner, the leg nearer to the audience becomes the working leg and is extended in second position, pointing on tendú to the side. The arms are in fourth position. The head is raised slighlty and turned toward the raised arm, so the eyes look into the hand. Échappé [ay-sha-PAY] Means “Escaping or slipping movement”. A dancer does an échappé with their legs and feet. Starting in closed position and progressing to open position. For example, starting in a closed position, usually fifth position with the feet, the dancer slides both feet out equally into either second or fourth position. Effacé, effacée [eh-fa-SAY] Means “Shaded”. One of the directions of shoulders in which the dancer stands at an angle to the audience so that a part of the body is taken back and almost hidden from view.

In the feet it is a position in which the legs are open and “uncrossed” (opposite of croise). Élévation [ay-lay-va-SYAWN] Élévation refers to the height or depth of a dancer’s jump or leg extension in relation to the standing leg . It is a term used to describe the height attained in springing steps such as entrechats, grands jetés and others. Entrechat [ahn-truh-SHAH] Means “Interweaving or braiding”. A step of beating in which the dancer jumps into the air and rapidly crosses the legs before and behind each other. Épaulement [ay-pohl-MAHN]] Means “position of shoulders” or the placing of the shoulders in relation to the lower body. The dancer will twist their torso from the waist upward so that one shoulder has now moved forward and the other back. The head is then slightly inclined over the front shoulder. The two fundamental positions of épaulement are croisé and effacé. Extension [eks-tahn-SYAWN] This Ballet term used to describe the ability of a dancer to raise and hold her extended leg in the air.

It takes a lot of balance, alignment, flexibility and strength to have proper and high extension. The dancer must not raise their hip in order to get the leg higher. Face, en [ahn fahss] Means “Facing the audience”. Fish dive Fish or fish dives are seen quite often in classical partnering and pas de deuxes. It is considered an intermediate partnering step where the man holds the ballerina’s waist and under the thigh of the arabesque leg, then lifts and bends his back leg into the fish position. Fondu, fondue [fawn-DEW] Means “Melting or Sinking down”. It describes the gradual bending the knee of the supporting leg. It is the same as a plie, but Fondu means you do the plie on only one leg. Watch video: Fondu Demonstration videos Fouetté [fweh-TAY] Means “Whipped”. It usually describes the quick whipping action of a dancer’s leg or body. The movement may be a short whipped movement of the raised foot as it passes rapidly in front of or behind the supporting foot or the sharp whipping around of the body from one direction to another. There is a great variety of fouettés.

Fouetté rond de jambe en tournant [fweh-TAY rawn duh zhahnb ahn toor-NAHN] Also called “Fouetté turns” It is a whipped circle of turning on one leg. This fouetté may be done on demi-pointe, on point or with a jump. It is when the dancer does a pirouette, then a plie of the standing leg, followed by an extension of the free leg into rond de jambes in the air. These Fouettés are usually done in a series. They may be executed inward or outward. French School The French School of ballet began in the court ceremonies of the French monarchs. Louis XIV studied with the famous ballet master Pierre Beauchamp and established the first academy of dancing, known as the Académie Royale de Musique et de Danse, in Paris in 1661. The French School was known for its elegant, graceful movements rather than technical execution. Its influence spread throughout Europe and is the basis of all ballet training. Gateway This is a position of the arms in which the arms are held rounded in front of the body with the fingertips on a level with the bottom of the breastbone.

Glissade [glee-SAD] Means “Glide”. It is an in-between step. A traveling step executed by gliding the working foot from the fifth position to the side, then the other foot closes to it in fifth position. You would start by jumping up first and then moving to the side after. Grand, grande [grahn, grahnd] Means “Big, large”. As, for example, grand plie or grand battement. Jambe [zhahnb] Means “Leg”. Jeté [zhuh-TAY] Indicates Throwing of a step. it is a forceful “throwing” of the leg. Starts like tendu and then the leg is thrown up slightly into the air. Jeté battu [zhuh-TAY ba-TEW] Jeté beaten. It describes a petit jeté that is beaten with straight legs before landing in cou-de-pied position. Jeté entrelacé [zhuh-TAY ahn-truh-la-SAY] Means “Jeté interlaced”. This jeté is done in all directions.

It describes a step where the dancer extends one leg into their air wile jumping, then meeting the other leg in the air, and then turning and landing in arabesque position at the end. Jeté, grand [grahn zhuh-TAV] Means “Large jeté”. It indicates a big leap. When you jump you shoot out the front leg to the front and and the back leg back. You legs have to be full extended and the toes have to point. The arms can be up in fifth position or in fourth position. Jeté, petit [puh-TEE zhuh-TAY] Means “Small jeté”. From a demi-plié in the fifth position, then brush the working foot out into the air, jump getting both legs straight, and come down on the working leg in front. Leotard [lee-o-tard] It is the most basic outfit that girls and women wear to practice and learn Ballet. It covers the entire torso and has straps around the shoulders. There are almost countless varieties, designs, fabric choices, colors and designs for leotards today. Leçon [luh-SAWN] Means “Lesson”. It is the daily dance classes that Ballet dancers take in order to improve their skill and level.

Ligne [LEEN-yuh] Means “Line”. It is the outline of the dancers’ body pose or position. Dancers constantly try to achieve the “good line” in their dancing. It is the overall look from toes to arms and the head. Manèges [ma-NEZH] Means “Circular”. A term applied to Ballet moves that are to be done in a circular movement. Mazurka or mazurek A famous Polish folk dance in 3/4 time which has been introduced into a number of ballets as a character dance. Neuf [nuhf] Means “Nine”. Ouvert, ouverte [oo-VEHR, oo-VEHRT] Means “Open, opened”. This may refer to positions, limbs, directions, or certain exercises or steps. It is another way to describe a step is done effacé and is the opposite of a step done croisé. Pas [pah] Means “Step”. Refers to a step that requires a transfer of weight. “Pas” also refers to a dance executed by a soloist (pas seul), a duet (pas de deux). Pas de bourrée [pah duh boo-RAY] Bourrée step.

It is a step that cossists of back, side, and front steps. Starts with plie in coupe position, then releve’ to second position with your legs out. And then, you’re going to cross forward and go back to that coupe position of the feet. Pas de bourrée couru [pah duh boo-RAY koo-REW] Means “running”. Starts with demi-pointes by a series of small, even steps with the feet close together. It may be done in all directions or in a circle. Pas de chat [pah duh shah] Means “Cat’s-step”. It is a step resembling how a cat jumps. First one foot jumps up and then the other one immediately follows into a jump as well. For a moment both legs in the air are in passés before coming down. Pas de deux, grand [grahn pah duh duh] Means “Grand dance for two”. It describes that a dance has two dancers – meaning a partner dance. Famous Pas de deux dances include Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. Pas de quatre [pah duh KA-truh] Means “A dance for four”.

It is when 4 dancers perform a dance together (similar to ‘Pas de deux’ above) . One of the most famous pas de quatre in ballet was the dance of the four little swans in Swan Lake. Pas de trois [pah duh trwah] Means “A dance for three”. Similar to the above terms, but this has 3 dancers. Pas de valse [pah duh valss] Means “Waltz step”. It represents the 1,2,3 timing of a Waltz with quick weight changes. Done with a graceful swaying of the body with various arm movements. Pas marché [pah mar-SHAY] Means “Marching step”. This is the classical walk of the ballerina. Penché, penchée [pahn-SHAY] Means “Leaning, inclining”. As, for example, in arabesque penchée. Petit, petite [puh-TEE, puh-TEET] Means “Little, small”.

For example, petit battement, Petit jeté, petit allegro, etc… Pieds, cinq positions des [sen paw-zee-SYAWN day pyay] Refers to the five positions of the feet. There are five basic positions of the feet in classical ballet, and every step or movement is begun and ended in one or another of these positions. Piqué [pee-KAY] Means “Pricked or pricking”. It is a term used to describe other ballet terms. For example, in piqué en arabesque, piqué développé and so on. Pirouette [peer-WET] Means “spin”. A complete turn made one foot while the other foot is normally in Passe position. the spins could go in any direction. There is a strong emphasize on keeping the “center” aligned properly in order to do the pirouette. Pirouette à la seconde, grande [grahrul peer-WET a lah suh-GAWND] Refers to a large pirouette in second position. This pirouette is usually performed by male dancers. It is a series of turns on one foot with the free leg raised to the second position in the air at 90 degrees.

Plié [plee-AY] Means “Bent, bending”. One of the most famous moves in Ballet. It refers to the bending of the knee or knees with strong turn out from feet, knees and hips. They are typically done in 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th positions in classical ballet, both at the barre and center in classes. Watch video: How to do Plies (Demi & Grand) Pointes, sur les [sewr lay pwent] Means “On the points”. It is when a dancer dances on her toes. A dancer starts to dance on point only when they have achieved a certain level of proficiency. Pointe shoes Pointe shoes are the satin ballet shoes used by dancers when dancing on point (see above term). Poisson [pwa-SAWN] Means “Fish”. This pose is taken while jumping into the air with the body arched to one side and the feet crossed in fifth position. Polonaise Dance that is performed in 3/4 time with which the court ballets of the seventeenth century were opened. It may be seen today in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.

Port de bras [pawr duh brah] Means “movement of the arms”. A movement or series of movements made by passing the arm or arms through various positions. Usually there are many exercises to help dancers master graceful arm movements. For example, if a ballerina moves her arms from first position to fifth position, that is considered a port de bras. Porté, portée [pawr-TAY] Means “Carried”. Refers either to a step which is traveled in the air from one spot to another. Premier, première [pruh-MYAY, pruh-MYEHR] Means “First”. Promenade, tour de [toor duh prawm-NAD] Means “Turn in a walk”. A promenade is when a dancer turns around on one leg with the standing leg’s heel on the floor, while the other leg is in a position such as an arabesque or attitude derriere. Quatre [KA-truh] Means “Fourth”. Relevé [ruhl-VAY] Means “rising”. It is the rising on the toes or the balls of feet (on point or demi pointe).

Relevé may be done in the first, second, fourth or fifth position and many other positions. Releves can be done very quickly with sharp springs or with slow graceful style. Retiré [ruh-tee-RAY] Means “Withdrawn”. A position in which the dancer stands on one foot and lifts the other foot up in the air and bring it to touch the standing leg with the toes. This foot is turned out and usually around the hip level. Rise This is a smooth relevé from a position à terre through all the levels of the foot (quarter-point, half-point and three-quarter point). The toes do not move from the spot at which the rise began. Rolling Dancers “roll” in or out using their ankles instead of getting the turn out from the hips. This is usually what dancers need to avoid. Ront de jambe [rawn duh zhahnb] It is the circle of the leg. Ronds de jambe are used as an exercise at the bar and in the center. It is when the weight is on one leg and the working leg makes a circle inward or outward.

Rond de jambe à terre [rawn duh zhahnb a tehr] Rond de jambe on the ground. It is where one leg makes circular movements while connected to the ground. Both legs must be kept perfectly straight and all movement must come from the hip, along with the arching and relaxing of the instep. The toe of the working leg is connected to the floor at all times. Rond de jambe en l’air [rawn duh zhahnb ahn lehr] Rond de jambe in the air. Ronds de jambe in the air is when the working leg does the circular movement but in the air. Sauté, sautée [soh-TAY] Means “Jumped, jumping”. It is used with other Ballet terms to signify that the step must be done with a jump. For example, Sauté arabesque means “jump in arabesque position”. Seconde, à la [ah la suh-GAWND] Means “To the second”. A term that means that the certain move is done in or from the second position of the feet. Sept [set] Means “Seven”.

Sickling This is when a dancer tries to turn out or point his/her foot from the ankle at a bad angle that breaks the line. Should be avoided! Sissonne fermée [see-SAWN fehr-MAY] It is a jump done sideways or forward/back. It is when the dancer jumps with both feet in the air and then lands in fifth position. Six [seess] It is the leg that the dancer has their weight on or “stands” on. Temps lié sur les pointes [tahn Iyay sewr lay pwent] Movement on the points. Means that the move is done on the ground. Tour de force [toor duh fawrss] A brilliant performance that was achieved with great technical skill. Tour en l’air [toor ahn lehr] Means “Turn in the air”. lt is a turn where the dancer jumps straight into the air from a demi-plié, makes a complete turn and lands in the fifth position with the feet in reverse position. The turn may be single, double or triple according to the ability of the dancer. Tournant, en [ahn toor-NAHN] Means “Turning”.

Indicates that the body should turn during a particular step or movement. Trois [trwah] Three. As, for example, in entrechat trois. Troisième [trwah-ZYEM] Means “Third”. Turn-out This is the ability of the dancer to turn out his/her feet from the hip. Essential for Ballet dancing. Tutu [tew-TEW] This is the short classical ballet skirt. Variation [va-rya-SYAWN] Means “Variation”. A solo dance in a classic ballet. Virtuoso A dancer with great technical ability and skill. Working leg The “working leg” Ballet term refers to the free leg that is moving or in motion. It is the opposite of the “supporting leg” which has the weight on it. Other dance forms: Prima Princessa Ballet Dictionary Online - Prima Princessa Prima Princessa PRESS Ballet Dictionary Online Adagio: A series of very slow movements performed together to look graceful and effortless, floating. It can also mean the beginning of a pas de deux dance where a man and woman dance together, performing slow lifts, turns, and other supported steps.

Air, en l’: Movement that is made in the air, like a rond de jambe en l’air. Allegro: Quick moving steps, often containing jumps, performed to a quick tempo of music. Allongé: To stretch, to elongate, usually referring to stretching and straightening a leg or arm. Arabesque: When one stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight back. Arabesque en l’aire: Arabesque where the back leg is lifted and parallel to the floor. Arabesque penchee: Arabeque where the back leg is lifted as high as posible while the upper body is tilted forward to help the dancer maintain her balance. Arriére: A step that is performed backwards, en arriere. Assemble: Means to bring together. It is a step where the working foot slides against the ground before swinging it up into the air, as the other leg pushes off the ground then landing in fifth position. Attitude: The working leg is raised, bent from the knee at an angle of 90 degrees and turned out so that the knee is at the same level as the foot. This position can be done from the front, side, or back.

Attitude devant: The leg is in attitude in the front of the body Attitude derrière: The leg is in attitude in the back of the body. Avant: Means forward, en avant is any step moving forward. Balancé: a series of steps that swing in a balancing motion, often several together. Ballerina: a female ballet dancer. Ballet: A classical dance form characterized by formalized steps and technique. Ballet Slippers: shoes worn for ballet. Ballet: A dance where a choreographer has created movements for the performers with a musical accompaniment, usually on stage with costumes, lighting, and scenery. Barre: A long, rounded piece of wood attached to the walls of a ballet studio (or on free standing supports) that dancers hold onto for support during “barre exercises” Battement: A French term meaning “kick.” Battement Frappes: A movement in which the dancer begins in fifth position with her left hand on the barre and her right foot wrapped in front of her left ankle bone. She brushes her right foot down so the ball of her foot strikes the floor.

Next she points her right foot hard and snaps her right knee straight, lifting her leg up into the air a few inches. She finishes by bending her right knee and setting her foot down behind her left ankle and then wrapping it at the anklebone. Battement Tendu: an exercise in which the leg is extended to the front, side or back and generally repeated several times. When the leg is fully extended, the knee should be straight with the foot pointed. B+ Pose: The dancer stands on either foot with other leg behind her. The rear leg is slightly bent and placed behind the standing foot with knees touching. The big toe on the back leg touches the floor. Bourreé: A step performed in releve where one leg pulls the other leg to close both in a tight 5th position in a series of tiny and quick steps either in place or moving. Bourreé, pas de: a series of three steps linked together, for example step up on the right leg, step side on the left leg, close the right leg to 5th position front. Brisé: Quick moving step where the feet and legs beat together in a jump from 5th position to 5th position while traveling either forward or backwards.

Center Work: Exercises performed in the in the center of the room without any support of the barre. Changé: Mean to change. Changement: A small jump in 5th position, changing legs legs from front to back. Chassé: A movement where one foot moves forward and the other quickly follows behind, chasing it. Choreographer: An artist who creates dances by arranging steps to music. Choreography: The way in which dance steps are combined to create a visual expression of the music. Circle Time: The beginning of a Creative Movement class during which the teacher greets the students and lets them know what they will be doing in class. Composer: A person who writes music. Corps de ballet: Dancers in a ballet company that perform the group dances as opposed to solo parts. Costume: An outfit which is worn onstage in order to portray a character. Coupé: A sharp movement where the foot quickly moves off the floor and circles the ankle in either the front or the back. Mean to cut. Creative Movement: Class A class for young dancers that encourages free and creative movement to music. Croisé: A position in which the dancer’s legs appear crossed to the audience.

Dedans, en: A turn inwards. Dehors, en: A turn outwards. Demi-Plié: A half bend of the knees. Demi-pointes: Rising up to the ball of your foot, not on full point of the toe shoes. Means half point. Developpé: A movement in which a dancer stands in fifth position and holds the barre for support. The dancer slides one leg up the side of the other to the knee and then extends her leg as her arms are raised. The leg is held still for a moment and then lowered. Dress Rehersal: A final run through in costume of a ballet before it is performed for an audience. Écarté: A position in which the dancer’s body faces one corner of the room with her leg pointed to the other corner and her arms in fourth position, with her head looking behind the raised arm. Échappé: A French term that means “to escape.” A movement in which the feet move in a level manner from a closed to an open postion.

Échappé Sauté: A jump in which the dancers springs from fifth position and lands in demi-plie with the feet opened in second position, then springs into the air again and closes the legs back to fifth position, landing in demi-plie. Effacé: A directional term where one leg is either front or back, moving to the side. Enchainment: The linking together of steps. Échappe Relévé: The dancer demi-pliés in fifth postion then springs quickly up into second or fourth position on pointe or demi-pointe. The dancer then reverses the movement and brings the legs back into fifth position demi-plié. Effacé: A position in which the legs look open or uncrossed to the audience. Enchaînement: The linking together several dance movements. En face: A position in which the dancer’s arms and legs are held in any position and her body completely faces the front of the room. Fermé: To close. Fifth Position Arms: A position in which the arms are lifted over the head. The arms are rounded, with the elbows lightly bent, and the hands are held close together but without the fingers touching.

Fifth Position Legs: A position in which one foot is placed in front of the other, with both feet touching and the toes of each foot lined up with the heel of the other. First Position Arms: A position in which the arms are curved in front of the body and held as if they are forming a circle. First Position Legs: A position in which the balls of the feet are turned out completely so that the heels touch each other and the feet face outward, trying to form a straight line. Fouetté: A whipping movement on one leg while changing the hip and upper body direction. Fourth Position Arms: A position in which the left arm is held forward and rounded at the same height as the chest, and the right arm is raised above the head and slightly rounded. Fourth Position Legs: A position in which the feet are placed as in fifth position but they are separated by the length of one foot. Frappé: To strike or hit, quick action of the leg and foot. Glissade: A gliding step that moves the dancer across the floor and links other ballet steps together. The dancer begins in fifth position with her right foot in front.

She demi-plies and then slides her left foot out across the floor into second positon. She jumps slightly off of the right foot and lands on her left foot, and the right foot moves into fifth position. Grand Battement: A French word meaning “Big Kick.” The dancer begins in either first position or fifth position with her left arm on the barre. She slides her right foot into tendu front and raises her right leg up as high as possible in a turned out position. She then lowers her leg, bringing it back to first or fifth position. Grand Jeté en Avant: A large, horizontal jump in which the dancer splits her legs while jumping in the air and then lands on one foot. Grand Plié: A full bend of the knees . The heels are lifted when the full bend is reached (except in the second position, where they remain on the floor) and are then pushed back down to the floor as the dancer passes through a demi-plie and straightens the knees. Jete: A French term meaning “to throw.” Melody: A pleasing arrangement of sounds within a piece of music Musicality: Musical sensitivity.

Pantomime: A set of gestures used in ballet to tell a story, explain events, or indicate specific ideas or feelings. Pas de Chat: A movement starting in fifth position, in which the dancer looks in the direction she is moving. The dancer lifts her back foot to her calf and plies on the front leg. Then she jumps into the air, picking up both legs at once underneath her body and pointing both feet toward each other. She lands on one bent leg with her other leg pointing to the mid-shin and finishes in fifth position. Pas de deux: A dance performed by two people. Passé: Passé refers to both a position and a movement. As a position, one leg is turned out and bent at the knee with the foot placed in front or in back of the other knee. As a movement, the working foot—the foot that is moving—slides up the front of the standing leg until the toe reaches the knee and then the foot passes to the back of the knee and slides back down to fifth position. Pianist: Someone who plays the piano. Pirouette: A turn or a spin around on one leg done on pointe or on demi-point.

Plié: An exercise in which the dancer bends her knees and then straightens them. Pointe Shoes: A type of ballet shoe used by advanced dancers that has special reinforcements in the toe and sole so that a ballerina can stand on her toes while dancing. Pointe Work: Dancing that occurs on the tips of the toes. This is performed in pointe shoes. Positions: There are five basic feet positions in ballet and there are also five basic arm positions. Posture: How one hold’s one’s body. Prepatortory position: premiere en bas A starting point pose to get your body ready, or prepared. The preparatory position is the beginning pose used to start and end a floor combination. To reach this position, hold your back straight and your head high, relax your arms in front of you, slightly away from your body. Both arms should be rounded like you are holding a beach ball, with your fingers close together but not touching. Props: Items used during a performance to help tell a story. Relévé: A movement in which the dancer rises to demi pointe or pointe. The dancer begins in first or fifth position and smoothly lifts both of her heels as far off the floor as she can.

When she reaches the balls of her feet, she slowly goes back down and ends again in first or fifth position. Ronds de Jambe à Terre: The movement of the leg in a circular pattern.. The dancer begins in first position with her left hand on the barre and tendus her right foot to the front, then traces the pattern of a circle as she moves her leg to the side, to the back, and then back to first position. Ronds de Jambe (en Dedans): A version of the Ronds de Jambe in which the foot does the reverse movements, starting with tendu back. Rosin: A crumbly powder that turns white and rough when the dancer steps into it. Rosin makes ballet shoes less slippery and safer for difficult and dangerous pointe work. Sauté: Sauté means “to hop” in French. This term is added to the name of a step to indicate that the step is performed while jumping. Saute Passé: A passé while jumping. The dancer jumps up on one leg. The foot of the other leg passes up the front of the straight leg until it reaches the knee and then slides down the back of the leg and lands on two feet.

Second position (en seconde) Arms: In second position arms, the arms are opened to one’s sides with the elbows slightly rounded as in first position. Second position (en seconde) Legs: In second position for the feet, the balls of both feet are turned out completely, with the heels separated by the length of one foot. This is similar to first position, but the feet are spread apart. Stage Makeup: Makeup used by performers, which serves to accentuate the features of a performer on a brightly lit stage. Sur le coup de pied: In this position, the working foot is wrapped around the ankle of the other leg. Sur le coup de pied means “on the neck of the foot” in French. Sous-Sus: In this position the dancer relevés in a tight fifth position, with one foot almost on top of the other foot. The feet are touching and the ankles are crossed with the dancer on pointe or demi-pointe. School of American Ballet (SAB): The official academy of the New York City Ballet, founded in 1934 by the famous choreographer, George Balanchine, and patron of the arts, Lincoln Kirstein. SAB is located in New York City at Lincoln Center.

Spotting: A technique used by dancers to keep themselves from getting dizzy when turning. Soubresaut: Soubresaut is French for “sudden leap”. This is a jump in which the dancer both takes off from and lands in fifth position with the legs tightly crossed and feet pointed in the air. Tempo: The speed or pace of a piece of music. Third Postion Arms: A position in which the arms are curved as in first position and raised a little above and forward of the head. Third Position Legs: A position in which one foot is placed in front of the other foot. The heel of the front foot should touch the middle of the back foot. Tour en L’Aire: A jump, which involves a complete 360 degree turn or multiple turns in midair. The dancer starts in fifth position. He demi-pliés and pushes off the floor into the air and makes a complete turn (or two) before landing on the floor in fifth position demi-plié, . Turnout: The turning out of the legs and feet from the hips . With perfect turnout, a dancer’s feet point in opposite directions from each other to form a straight line, with the heels touching.

Waltz: Music or a dance performed in counts of three with a strong accent on the first beat. Wardrobe Mistress: The person that alters costumes to fit each dancer, and cares for them in every way. duet (dancing) - Memidex dictionary/thesaurus en​.wikipedia​.org​/wiki​/Pas de deux Pas de deux (disambiguation) a ballet duet in which steps are performed together. Pas de deux may also refer to: In ballet: Pas de Deux (d'Amboise), a ballet by Christopher d'Amboise | Pas de Deux (Robbins) or Andantino, a ballet by Jerome Robbins | Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, a... (43 of 148 words, 8 definitions)

Question: In ballet, what is the name for a dance duet in which ballet steps are performed together?
Answer: Pas de deux