Performing Arts - Ballet

a ballet movement involving a rapid rotation or spin executed on one foot, often with the other leg extended and turned out

pirouette

a knee bend with an upright posture, used as a fundamental exercise and basic movement in ballet technique to develop strength, flexibility, and control

plié

a classical ballet position where the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended behind, often with arms in various graceful positions

arabesque

a ballet position where one leg is lifted and bent behind the body with the knee turned out and the foot pointed

attitude

a ballet term for the quality of lightness and buoyancy in a dancer's jumps or leaps, creating a sense of suspension or hovering in the air

ballon (ballet)

a ballet jump where one foot leaves the ground and the other foot meets it in the air, used for fluid transitions and dynamic movements in ballet

assemblé

a horizontal handrail used in ballet for balance and stability during warm-up exercises and technique practice

barre

a ballet step where a dancer jumps, brushes one leg against the other in a crossed position, and lands on the opposite leg

brise

a ballet term for a sideways jump where the knees are brought up towards the chest and the feet extend into a diamond shape, resembling the leap of a cat

pas de chat

a movement where the working leg is lifted off the floor, typically with a pointed foot and a sense of ease and freedom

dégagé

a ballet duet performed by two dancers, often showcasing synchronized movements and intricate choreography

pas de deux

a ballet step in which one foot slides smoothly along the floor to meet the other foot, often executed as part of a larger sequence or combination

glissade

a ballet turning step where one leg whips around the body while maintaining balance on the supporting leg, known for its grace and dynamic appearance

fouetté

a big jump in ballet where one leaps into the air with one leg forward and the other leg back

jeté

a ballet jump or spring from both feet into the air

sauté

a ballet leg movement in a circular motion

rond de jambe

a ballet term for arm movements and positioning that adds grace and expressiveness to a dancer's performance

port de bras

ballet dancing on the tips of the toes with specialized shoes for advanced dancers, creating elegant and ethereal movements

pointe

a dance step where the legs cross while moving sideways or diagonally, commonly used in various dance styles such as ballet

pas de basque

a dance step or movement involving a quick transfer of weight from one foot to the other, commonly used in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance styles

pas de bourrée

a ballet step where one foot swiftly follows the other in a sliding or gliding motion, often used to transition between movements or positions

chassé

a type of jump or leap where a dancer jumps from both feet, extends one leg to the front or side while the other leg remains in the air, and lands on the extended leg

sissonne

a ballet jump with one or more rotations in the air, showcasing a dancer's turning ability and skill

tour en l'air

a dynamic jump in contemporary dance that combines a 180-degree turn with an extended leg behind the body, creating a visually striking movement

saut calypso

a ballet jump where one leg is kicked in the air while the other follows, meeting it before landing, often used to showcase a dancer's athleticism and skill

cabriole

ballet dancing on the balls of the feet with the heels slightly off the ground, serving as a preparatory stage for dancing en pointe

demi-pointe

a ballet term that describes movements or steps executed to the side, with one leg extended to the side of the body

à la seconde

(of a position) fully extended and stretched, usually with a pointed foot and maintaining proper alignment and control

tendu

a ballet term that describes a jump in which a dancer changes their feet in the air, often performed with a beat or a switch of the legs, resulting in a seamless and graceful movement

changement de pied

a ballet stance with feet apart, arms extended to the sides, used as a base for many movements

deuxième position

a ballet jump where the dancer leaps through the air with one leg extended forward and the other leg thrown back

tour jeté

a ballet term for smoothly lifting and extending the working leg from a position close to the body to an open position, typically at 90 degrees or higher

développé

a ballet term that refers to the positioning and movement of the shoulders, head, and neck in relation to the rest of the body

épaulement

a jump from a closed to an open position with pointed feet, and then returning to the closed position

échappé

the basic stance with heels together and toes turned out, commonly used as a starting position for ballet movements

première position

a ballet stance where one foot is placed in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot positioned near the arch of the back foot

quatrième position

a ballet movement where a dancer lifts one foot and draws it up to the side of the standing leg, often used as a preparation for other movements

retrait

a movement in which a ballet dancer rises up onto the balls of their feet, lifting their heels off the ground

relevé

a dynamic movement where one partner jumps or dives into the arms of another partner, creating a visually striking moment in contemporary and modern dance choreography

plongée de poisson

melting quality in dance, referring to a smooth and gradual lowering or melting movement, often associated with fluidity, grace, and control in ballet

fondant

a dance movement or pose performed by two dancers together, often showcasing their coordination, balance, and harmony in a duet

pas de deux

a ballet stance where one foot is placed against the other foot, with the feet turned out, often used for steps, poses, and turns in ballet

cinquième position

a ballet term for quick and intricate foot movements, often performed in mid-air, showcasing a dancer's agility and coordination

batterie

a ballet term for a high kick with a straight leg and pointed foot, often used in warm-up exercises and ballet combinations

grand battement

a ballet term for a small, quick beating movement of the foot used in warm-up exercises and ballet combinations to develop foot articulation and control

petit battement

a ballet term that refers to a short, self-contained dance piece or a suite of dances, typically featuring solo or ensemble performances

divertissement

(ballet) a step or movement, typically forming part of a choreographed sequence

pas

(ballet) a solo dance performed by a single dancer, highlighting their technical ability, expression, and artistry.

pas seul

a fast and lively style of ballet dance featuring jumps, leaps, and quick footwork, used to showcase a dancer's speed, athleticism, and artistry

allegro

a movement or composition intended to be played at a slow tempo

adagio