Performing Arts - Ballet

Here you will learn some English words related to ballet such as "plié", "échappé", and "sauté".

review-disable

review

flashcard-disable

flashcard

spelling-disable

spelling

quiz-disable

quiz

start-learning
Performing Arts

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

Ex: She practiced her pirouettes tirelessly , focusing on maintaining her balance and perfecting her technique .
plie [noun]

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

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

Ex: She practiced her arabesques diligently , striving to achieve the ideal balance and alignment in each position .
attitude [noun]

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

ballon [noun]

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

assemble [noun]

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

Ex:
barre [noun]

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

brise [noun]

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

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

degage [noun]

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

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

Ex: The choreographer created a breathtaking pas de deux for the lead couple in the production .
glissade [noun]

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

Ex: The choreography called for a quick glissade before transitioning into a grand jeté .
fouette [noun]

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

jete [noun]

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

saute [noun]

a jump or spring in ballet from both feet into the air

Ex:

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

pointe [noun]

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

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

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

chasse [noun]

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

Ex:
sissonne [noun]

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

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

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

cabriole [noun]

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

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

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

tendu [adjective]

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

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

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

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

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

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

echappe [noun]

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

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

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

retire [noun]

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

releve [noun]

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

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

fondu [adjective]

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

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

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

batterie [noun]

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

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

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

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

pas [noun]

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

Ex: The choreography called for a series of intricate pas during the performance .
pas seul [noun]

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

Ex: The choreographer created a pas seul that challenged the dancer 's versatility and agility .
allegro [noun]

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

adagio [noun]

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

Ex: The composer 's adagio was known for its delicate melodies and emotional depth .