Ballet Terminology

Question 1

Plie (plee-AY)

Answer 1

Bending of the knees: grand plie is full bend while demi-plie is half bend

Question 2

Tendu (ton-DEW)

Answer 2

to stretch. A movement where the working foot slides along the floor until fully stretched.

Question 3

Port de bras (pawr duh brah)

Answer 3

the carriage of the arms

1) A movement or series of movements made by passing the arm or arms through various positions. The passage of the arms from one position to another constitutes a port de bras.

(2) A term for a group of exercises designed to make the arms move gracefully and harmoniously.

Question 4

barre (bar)

Answer 4

a sturdy, horizontal rail made of smooth wood and metal. Pre-dance exercises are practiced here.

Question 5

Bras Bas (brah bah)

Answer 5

Arms low or down. This is the dancer’s “attention.”

Question 6

Relevé [ruhl-VAY]

Answer 6

Raised. A smooth, continuous raising of the body on the points or demi-pointes, point or demi-pointe.