Classical Ballet Terms and Definitions
Classical Ballet Terms and Definitions for Beginning Ballet
1. Adagio (ah-DAHZ) A series of slow, fluid exercises intended to develop the dancer’s
—
balance, strength and grace.
2. En L’Air (on lehr) In the air.
3. Attitude A pose on one leg with the other lifted and bent at approximately a 120-degree angle. May be executed to the front (en avant) or to the back (derriere).
4. Arabesque (ah-ra-BESK) - The position of the body supported on one leg with the opposite leg extended behind the body. The arms may be held in various harmonious positions creating the longest possible line along the body.
5. Assemble (ah-sahm-BLAY) A step in which the working foot slides well along the ground before being swept into the air. As the foot goes into the air dancer pushes off the floor with the supporting leg, extending the toes. Both legs come together in the fifth position in the air before landing. Assembles are done in petit or grand allegro combinations. Literal translation: to assemble
6. Balance (ba-iahn-SAY) A rocking step where the weight shifts from one foot to the other.
7. Chaines (sheh-NAY) A series of rapid, traveling turns on demi-pointe staying in first positions. Literal translation: chain, links
8. Changements- (shahnzh-MAHN) A petit allegro step that begins in fifth position demi-plié, springs straight up, changes the position of the feet in the air and lands with the opposite foot front in fifth position demi-plie.
9. Chassé (sha-SAY) A connecting step on which one foot literally chases the other and coming to a fifth position before landing. Literal translation-chased
10. Coupé (koo-PAY) A small linking step done as a preparation or impetus for some other step; one foot displaces the other. Literal translation: to cut, cutting
11. Degage (day-ga-ZHAY) A basic step in which the working leg brushes the foot against the floor to a slightly raised, pointed position and then closes.
12. En Dedans (aim duh-DAHN) In steps and exercises,
1. Adagio (ah-DAHZ) A series of slow, fluid exercises intended to develop the dancer’s
—
balance, strength and grace.
2. En L’Air (on lehr) In the air.
3. Attitude A pose on one leg with the other lifted and bent at approximately a 120-degree angle. May be executed to the front (en avant) or to the back (derriere).
4. Arabesque (ah-ra-BESK) - The position of the body supported on one leg with the opposite leg extended behind the body. The arms may be held in various harmonious positions creating the longest possible line along the body.
5. Assemble (ah-sahm-BLAY) A step in which the working foot slides well along the ground before being swept into the air. As the foot goes into the air dancer pushes off the floor with the supporting leg, extending the toes. Both legs come together in the fifth position in the air before landing. Assembles are done in petit or grand allegro combinations. Literal translation: to assemble
6. Balance (ba-iahn-SAY) A rocking step where the weight shifts from one foot to the other.
7. Chaines (sheh-NAY) A series of rapid, traveling turns on demi-pointe staying in first positions. Literal translation: chain, links
8. Changements- (shahnzh-MAHN) A petit allegro step that begins in fifth position demi-plié, springs straight up, changes the position of the feet in the air and lands with the opposite foot front in fifth position demi-plie.
9. Chassé (sha-SAY) A connecting step on which one foot literally chases the other and coming to a fifth position before landing. Literal translation-chased
10. Coupé (koo-PAY) A small linking step done as a preparation or impetus for some other step; one foot displaces the other. Literal translation: to cut, cutting
11. Degage (day-ga-ZHAY) A basic step in which the working leg brushes the foot against the floor to a slightly raised, pointed position and then closes.
12. En Dedans (aim duh-DAHN) In steps and exercises,