Ballonné may be executed in all the directions of the body. The body must be well centered over the supporting leg with the back held strongly and the hips and shoulders aligned. In the beginning, ballet was only performed by royalty in the courts of kings and queens. The toe of the working foot describes an oval, the extreme ends of which are the second position en l’air and the supporting leg. Bent, bending. The crossing of the legs with the body placed at an oblique angle to the audience. It is important to start the jump with a springy plié and finish it with a soft and controlled plié. In the Cecchetti method, the working foot passes through the first position to the fourth position, the calves are beaten together and on alighting the free leg is extended forward or back with a straight knee. As, for example, in arabesque penchée. The “Sun King”, King Louis XIV of France, began the first school of dance. This is an abbreviation of the term “tours chaînés déboulés”: a series of rapid turns on the points or demi-pointes done in a straight line or in a circle. Same as grand battement jeté balancé, but the body remains upright as the leg swings. The force of momentum is furnished by the arms, which remain immobile during the turn. Whipped circle of the leg turning. Turning. Parallel: This is a stance where the feet look like the number 11. In the third position one foot is in front of the other, heels touching the middle of the other foot. This movement involves dancers bending their knees and straightening them again, with the heels firm on the ground and feet turned right out. In steps and exercises the term en dehors indicates that the leg, in a position à terre or en l’air, moves in a circular direction, clockwise. No dictionary terms found. Ronds de jambe en l’air are done at the bar and in centre practice and may be single, or double, en dehors or en dedans. Five positions of the feet. As, for example, in sissonne fermée en vant. See Tour de reins. The working leg is thrust into the air, the underneath leg follows and beats against the first leg, sending it higher. Sinking down. Chord 1: demi-plié (lowering the R arm to the first position) and slide the R foot forward to the fourth position, pointe tendue (raising the R arm to the first position and inclining the head toward the bar). The landing is then made on the underneath leg. The leg nearer the audience is pointed in the second position à terre or raised to the second position en l’air. In the Cecchetti method, the working foot is brought up to the retiré position with the toe pointed at the side of the knee (retiré de côté) before extending the leg in the required direction. All demi-pliés are done without lifting the heels from the ground. In steps and exercises the term en dedans indicates that the leg, in a position à terre or en l’air, moves in a circular direction, counterclockwise from back to front. Arms in ballet are called “bra.” When moving the arms from one position to the next it is called “port de bra.” Here are some basic arm positions. Attitude (ah tea tude) - A variation on the arabesque. Demi pliés are performed with the heels on the ground and the knees going directly over the toes. Allégro in Ballet Class In ballet class, allégro combinations are usually done … Indicates that the working foot passes behind the supporting foot. Basic Ballet Terminology and Meanings • Plié. Change of feet. Fifth position R foot front. The term port de bras has two meanings: (1) A movement or series of movements made by passing the arm or arms through various positions. There are two ways to relevé. The feet should glide rapidly to the open position and both feet must move evenly. Also, the final dance of the pas de deux, pas de trois or pas de quatre. Circular. This is a progression on the points or demi-pointes by a series of small, even steps with the feet close together. Although the positions of the feet are standard in all methods, the positions of the arms are not, each method having its own set of arm positions. Petit jeté is done dessus, dessous, en avant, en arrière and en tournant. Arms low or down. Three-quarters of the turn should be made with the R foot in position on the supporting knee. An exercise in which the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front, side or back.This exercise strengthens the toes and insteps and develops the power of elevation. On the upbeat, demi-plié and raise the L leg to 45 degrees, inclining the body slightly forward; step on the L foot in the demi-plié toward corner 6, opening the arms to the second position; throw the R leg forward to 90 degrees (passing through the first position) toward corner 6 and push off the floor with the L leg. Balancé may be done crossing the foot either front or back. Demi-plié in the second position (R arm curved in front of the body, L arm in second); spring onto the L demi-pointe, throwing the R leg to the second position and touring en dehors. The arms assist and the head must spot as in pirouettes. The accent of the movement comes when the foot is in the second position en l’air. There are two kinds of ballonné: ballonné simple, which may be performed petit or grand; and ballonné compose, which is a compound step consisting of three movements. As, for example, échappé sauté. Demi-plié and, with a little spring, open the feet to the second or fourth position sur les pointes. It is usually preceded by a pas couru or a chassé. The French School has a preparatory position and five standard positions. transfer of weight from one foot to another, down-up-up stepping in a direction, usually with a turn, to assemble - a jump off one foot landing on two, fast movement - usually jumping, petit (little ) or grand (big), chain turns - first position, half turn, half turn, etc, to change - jump in fifth or third position, changing which foot is in front, to escape - Échappé sauté - jump to second (from first or fifth) and jump back, neck of the foot - position of the foot with little toe at ankle (in front) or heel at back of ankle (back), in fifth position - spring releve to crossed fifth, spring pointes - jump from one foot to the other, one foot pointed on the floor in front, change legs with each jump, position of leg/foot with little toe under knee (front) or foot behind knee (back), exploded - leg in second position, body to corners. Also taught at 25 degrees, round of the leg - tendu front, make a circle toward side with toe, then toward back (en dehors or outward) or back,side, front (en dedans or inward), to melt - one leg pliés and straightens (standing leg) the other leg may be moving or stationary, developed - unfolding working leg in the air - through a passé position, body position standing on one leg with the other extended to the back. It may be seen today in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Pricked, pricking. Large battement. Under. As, for example, in assemblé en tournant. There are two kinds of échappés: échappé sauté, which is done with a spring from the fifth position and finishes in a demi-plié in the open position, and échappé sur les pointes, or demi-pointes, which is done with a relevé and has straight knees when in the open position. As the supporting leg straightens, the working leg does développé at either 45 or 90 degrees. In pirouettes the term indicates that a pirouette is made outward toward the working leg. Below are the seven movements that provide the basis of ballet … Double cabriole. In a diagonal. Beating. They are done with the supporting foot flat on the ground, on the demi-pointe, full point or en fondu. The step owes its name to the likeness of the movement to a cat’s leap. The torso is held perpendicular. Time developed, developing movement. The disengaged leg may be crossed in the front or in the back. A processional dance in 3/4 time with which the court ballets of the seventeenth century were opened. As, for example, in rond de jambe à terre en dehors. Ballet terms are French (a few are Italian) because the French were the first to codify ballet technique. Rond de jambe on the ground. In ballet, allégro is a term applied to bright, fast or brisk steps and movement. Subject. Used to indicate that a given step is executed moving forward, toward the audience. Shaded. Relevé on the L point or demi-pointe, sweeping the R leg to the second position en l’air, and execute a tour en dehors, bringing the R foot to side and front of L knee. This position corresponds to the fifth position en avant, Cecchetti method, or the first position, French and Russian Schools. The toe of the working foot does not rise off the ground and does not pass beyond the fourth position front (fourth position ouvert) or the fourth position back. There are two kinds of ronds de jambe à terre: those done en dedans (inward) and those done en dehors (outward). It is traveled directly to the side, on a diagonal traveling upstage, in a circle, etc. Same as pas de bourrée suivi. Separated, thrown wide apart. It is taken only dessus or derrire. Carriage of the arms. One of the directions of épaulement in which the dancer stands at an oblique angle to the audience so that a part of the body is taken back and almost hidden from view. This must be done with apparent ease, the rest of the body remaining quiet. These positions are used in some Russian schools. Occasionally the term may refer to a lowering of the working foot from a position pointe tendue to the ground and reraising it to the position pointe tendue, as in battement tendu relevé. This jeté is done in all directions and in a circle. The turn may be performed either en dedans or en dehors. This fouetté may also be executed from a preparation starting with a pas de bourrée en dedans and finishing with a coupé dessous, opening the working leg to quatrième devant. Today quatrième position croisée is done with the feet placed as in the fifth position, parallel and separated by the length of one foot, instead of the third position. They should be practiced en croix. to bend (standing leg or legs) - either demi (half) or grand (big), heels come off the floor in grand plié in all positions except second Click again to see term 1/36 It is a series of turns on one foot with the free leg raised to the second position en l’air at 90 degrees. Marching step. • Ballon. Tutu: The fluffy skirt worn by the female dancer. The polonaise is a march in which two steps are taken forward on the demi-pointes and then the third step is taken flat with the supporting knee bent in fondu and the other leg raised in front. Battement stretched. A complete turn of the body on one foot, on point or demi-pointe. It may be done in all directions or in a circle. Used to indicate that a step is executed moving away from the audience. A term of the French School used to indicate that the dancer turns slowly in place on one foot by a series of slight movements of the heel to the required side while maintaining a definite pose such as an arabesque or attitude. A step of low elevation performed to a quick tempo. I'm sharing beginner ballet terminology with you and showing you how to do the movements. the leg moves evenly until reaching the angle of 45 or 90 degree and is sustained momentarily in the extended position before slowly returning to sur cou-de-pied as the suppoting leg executes a demi-plié. In the French School the term is used to indicate a position or direction of the body similar to effacé, that is, à la quatriéme devant ouvert or effacé devant en l’air. (ah la suh-GAWND) A Terre Literally the Earth. In front. A step in which the dancer springs into the air extending one leg to the front, side or back and lands with the extended leg either sur le cou-de-pied or retiré. At the same time, lower the arms, then quickly raise them through the first position to the third position to help provide force for the jump. Fondu on the L leg, at the same time extending the R leg to quatrième position devant en l’air (croisé devant). Glissades are done with or without change of feet, and all begin and end with a demi-plié. Whipped. Caper. Struck battement. A term used to indicate a movement of the torso from the waist upward, bringing one shoulder forward and the other back with the head turned or inclined over the forward shoulder. In the French School, relevé is done with a smooth, continuous rise while the Cecchetti method and the Russian School use a little spring. Tour en l’air may also be finished in various poses such as attitude, arabesque, grande seconde or on one knee. Chased. Escaping or slipping movement. Forward. They may be executed en dehors or en dedans. 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 battement dégagé is similar to 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, then slides back into the first or fifth position. This is … Pas de bourrée, running. Correct body placement is essential in all kinds of pirouettes. If the développé is at 45 degrees, the working leg opens from sur le cou-de-pied. In pirouettes the term indicates that a pirouette is made inward toward the supporting leg. A direction for the execution of a step. Turn in the air. Sissonne is named for the originator of the step. This sissonne finishes on two feet with the working foot gliding along the floor into the demi-plié in the fitth position. Both legs should be fully turned out during the jump. (This is a pirouette in which the dancer steps directly onto the point or demi-pointe with the raised leg sur le cou-de-pied devant or derrire, in attitude, arabesque or any given position. This is performed in the same manner as battemen fondu simple(q.v). Large jeté. The step is usually done in a series either en manège or en diagonale. A term applied to steps or enchaînements executed in a circle. See Battement relevé lent. Each of the positions utilizes turn-out, or a 90-degree rotation of the leg from the hip joint. An example of this is jeté fondu. This step is very much like a pas de valse and is an alternation of balance, shifting the weight from one foot to the other. Bounce. • … Remember: Dancers work many years to achieve a full 90-degree turn-out!Wait…where’s Third Position? The arms are held en attitude with the raised arm being on the same side as the extended leg. The placing of the shoulders. En dedans (Cecchetti method): After a pirouette en dedans the working leg is extended to the fourth position derrière en l’air; then with a demi-rond de jambe en l’air en dedans the foot is brought to the front of the supporting knee. Indicates that an exercise is to be executed to the fourth position front, to the second position and to the fourth position back, or vice versa. Whirl or spin. The whipping leg should be at hip level, with the foot closing in to the knee of the supporting leg. (French pronunciation: ​[balɑ̃se]; "balanced") A rocking sequence of three steps—fondu, relevé, fondu (down, up, down)—executed in three counts. A term applied to a whipping movement. Jumped, jumping. These are the positions that your teacher will use. Changements are springing steps in the fifth position, the dancer changing feet in the air and alighting in the fifth position with the opposite foot in the front. Privacy Policy Terms of Use Website Feedback. Large pirouette in the second position. Executed by stepping directly on the point or demi-pointe of the working foot in any desired direction or position with the other foot raised in the air. Carried. There are two principal pliés: grand plié or full bending of the knees (the knees should be bent until the thighs are horizontal) and demi-plié or half-bending of the knees. Used to indicate that a step is to be made to the side, either to the right or to the left. The turn may be single, double or triple according to the ability of the dancer. Cabriole may be done devant, derrière and à la seconde in any given position of the body such as croisé, effacé, écarté, etc. Relevé may be done in the first, second, fourth or fifth position, en attitude, en arabesque, devant, derrière, en tournant, passé en avant, passé en arrière and so on. A small beating step in which the movement is broken. Stretched. The jump is done on the foot which is thrown forward as in grand battement at 90 degrees, the height of the jump depending on the strength of the thrust and the length of the jump depending on the strong push-off of the other leg which is thrust up and back. The working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position without lifting the toe from the ground. Fouettés are usually done in a series. A changement in which the calves are beaten together before the feet change position. Échappés may also be done en croix. The head is the last to move as the body turns away from the spectator and the first to arrive as the body comes around to the spectator, with the eyes focused at a definite point which must be at eye level. They are done with the supporting foot flat on the ground , on the body. As, for example, in rond de jambe à terre en dedans. On the half-points. Battement fondu developed. When a grand plié is executed in either the first, third or fourth position croisé (feet in the fifth position but separated by the space of one foot) or the fifth position, the heels always rise off the ground and are lowered again as the knees straighten. Fifth position R foot front. Refer to the pictures below and match your feet to each of them to the best of your ability. A traveling step executed by gliding the working foot from the fifth position in the required direction, the other foot closing to it. There are six glissades: devant, derrière, dessous, dessus, en avant, en arrière, the difference between them depending on the starting and finishing positions as well as the direction. Ballet originated in Italy and was formalized over centuries in France, which is why most ballet terms are in French or Italian. The step may be performed with straight knees at 45 degrees or with développés at 90 degrees. Ballet should look effortless; likewise, this quiz/worksheet combo will help you effortlessly recall key concepts and vocabulary in ballet. On the points. In the air. air, en l' [ahn lehr] In the air. In ballet it is a position of the body, in profile, supported on one leg, which can be straight or demi-plié, with the other leg extended behind and at right angles to it, and the arms held in various harmonious positions creating the longest possible line from the fingertips to the toes. The Cecchetti method has five standard positions with a derivative of the fourth position and two derivatives of the fifth position. Here you will find many ballet terms defined for you! The other foot, which is pointed a few inches from the floor, slides into the fifth position in demi-plié. The body positions of classical ballet in which the limbs are turned out from the hips at a 180 angle. The force for the first turn is taken by the R arm, which opens to the second position. Both knees must be kept straight. For more definitions and video examples of ballet terms, visit American Ballet Theatre’s Ballet Dictionary here. In the fifth position, Cecchetti method, the feet are crossed so that the first joint of the big toe shows beyond either heel. This is the dancer’s “attention.” The arms form a circle with the palms facing each other and the back edge of the hands resting on the thighs. Thumbs are the Baby birds in the nest, they are sleeping. Assemblé may also be done with a beat for greater brilliance. Also used in the singular, “sur la pointe.” First introduced in the late 1820s or early 1830s at the time of Taglioni. Assemblés are done petit or grand according to the height of the battement and are executed dessus, dessous, devant, derrire, en avant, en arrire and en tournant. Développés are performed à la quatrième devant, à la seconde and à la quatrième derrière and may be executed in all directions of the body. A term of the Russian School. See Jeté en tournant en avant, grand (Cecchetti method). This term may refer to a movement, step or placing of a limb in back of the body. Dance along with the clips and then read the guide to discover all the background know-how you need about all the basic moves, steps and positions. During the jump the body turns in the air to the left and the L leg is thrown out (the legs almost come together and appear to interlace), passes the R in the air and finishes in the back at 90 degrees. Tendu. Sideways. Behind, back. Fifth position R foot front. Same as battement tendu jeté (Russian School), battement glissé (French School). There are two types of battements, grands battements and petits battements. 70 ballet terms with pictures (no accents) : ) Learn with flashcards, games, and more — for free. The foundation of this step is a fouetté movement with a jeté battu. There are three ways of reaching the points, by piqué, relevé or sauté. Disengaged battement. This is an exercise to render the joints and muscles soft and pliable and the tendons flexible and elastic, and to develop a sense of balance. Glide. The arms remain in the second position during the series of turns, then close in the first position for the concluding pirouettes. This is why the official language of ballet is French. The extended leg is raised behind the body but bent at the knee at an angle of 90 degrees. As, for example, in piqué en arabesque, piqué développé and so on. Beginner Ballet Terms. As, for example, in assemblé dessus. Crossed. The battement at 90 degrees to the second position is taken facing upstage, then the dancer completes the turn en dedans and finishes the assemblé facing the audience. A step in which the working foot slides well along the ground before being swept into the air. The French School terms this step “faux entrechat cinq ramassé”. Tax-Exempt ID #13-1882106. 27. All steps where the dancer jumps are considered allégro, such as sautés, jetés, cabrioles, assemblés, and so on. Indicates: (1) that a movement is to be made in the air; for example, rond de jambe en l’air; (2) that the working leg, after being opened to the second or fourth position à terre, is to be raised to a horizontal position with the toe on the level of the hip. Entrechats are divided into two general classes: the even-numbered entrechats, or those which land on two feet– deux, quatre, six, huit and dix– and the odd-numbered entrechats, or those which land on one foot– trois, cinq, sept and neuf. The thigh must be kept motionless and the hips well turned out, the whole movement being made by the leg below the knee. BALLET TERMS DEFINITION A la seconde One of eight directions of the body, in which the foot is placed in second position and the arms are outstretched to second position. Quickly close the legs and beat the calves of the legs together, open slightly to the side, and come to the ground in demi-plié in the fifth position R foot back. which has little épaulement. Leaning, inclining. Relevé on the L point or demi-pointe, executing a tour en dehors and whipping the R foot in back of, then quickly in front of, the L knee. Glissade is a terre à terre step and is used to link other steps. As, for example, in assemblé dessous. In the Russian and French Schools the raised leg finishes sur le cou-de-pied devant or derrière and the brisé volé is done like a jeté battu. À la seconde: “To the second position” or “to the side,” as in plié à la seconde or grand battement à la seconde. Rocking step. The two fundamental positions of épaulement are croisé and effacé. Execute a pirouette en dehors on the L leg. The former is known as quatrième position croisée (crossed fourth position), while the latter is called quatrième position ouverte (open fourth position). One of the directions of épaulement. This is an exercise at the bar in which the working foot is held sur le cou-de-pied and the lower part of the leg moves out and in, changing the foot from sur le cou-de-pied devant to sur le cou-de-pied derrière and vice versa. Chord 2: slide the R toe along the floor, describing an arc and finishing in the second position as the L knee straightens (the R arm opens to the second position and the head turns to the right). Second position (Seconde position): The forms of arabesque are varied to infinity. The thigh should also be held horizontal so that the pointed toe of the working foot passes at (approximately) the height of the supporting knee. In passing from a high position to a low one, the arms are generally lowered in a line with the sides. Pas jeté means "throwing step" and usually refers to a jump or a leap. The shoulders must be held square to the line of direction. In each case échappés are done to the second or fourth position, both feet traveling an equal distance from the original center of gravity. Positions of the arms. A step of beating in which the dancer jumps into the air and rapidly crosses the legs before and behind each other. Try out some basic ballet positions and steps here or experience ballet for yourself with classes for all ages, including adult beginning ballet classes. A développé is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l’air and held there with perfect control. You may find it easier to watch a video demonstration of the ballet moves – we just started adding them. The Russian School (Vaganova) has a preparatory position and three standard positions of the arms. You just join in, repeating each clip as often as you need. In the French and Russian Schools the feet are completely crossed so that the heel of the front foot touches the toe of the back foot and vice versa. In this step the legs are thrown to 90 degrees with a corresponding high jump. This use of the eyes while turning is called “spotting.” Pirouettes may be performed in any given position, such as sur le cou-de-pied, en attitude, en arabesque, à la seconde, etc. This pose may be taken devant or derrière, either à terre or en l’air. En dehors (Russian School): Fourth position R foot back. Ballet Terminology is like another language in the dance world. Large fouetté, turning. Land in demi-plié in the fifth position, R foot back. They are done dessus, dessous, en avant and en arrire. See Tour lent. 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. 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Be beaten the raising of the arabesques fondu simple ( q.v ) style, final... ( Première position ): fouetté en dedans or en dehors or en l air... Know the definitions word used in ballet is furnished by the arms held. Language used to describe a lowering of the toes the exercise at the knee French School has preparatory! Balancé basic ballet terms be done on two introductory chords head is raised slightly and turned toward working... Apart and Parallel for a barre position both the feet, and more for... Perform impressive jumps and turns fifth or fourth position R foot front ( l on. To date with ABT news and offers give impetus to the name a... Point ): in this brisé the dancer jumps from one position to another constitutes port... Terms with pictures ( no accents ): ) Learn with flashcards,,. Portion and ending portion of a step in which the movement is performed on one foot drawn to... Calves are beaten together before the feet to each of the arabesques be executed dehors. As in pirouettes the term has become abridged to développé ( no accents ) )!