ballet words+question Flashcards
Learn the words
Demi-plie
A small bend. half of a full plie.
Port de bras
Arm movements which should be sort and graceful
Saute
A spring from two feet in first position. landing on two feet in first position
bras bas
A low position of the arms forming a oval shape
Tendu
the working leg is fully stretched
battement
an extension of the working leg which returns to its original position
grand
large or big
devant
in front
derriere
behind or at the back
petit
little or small movements with the feet
degage
to move the feet from a closed position to a open position.
jete
a throwing action of the working leg
demi bras
the arms are placed half way between bras bas and second
en croix
the feet move to form a cross
adage
slow and controlled movements
glissade
a gliding step
changement
the foot changes from 3rd to 5th in the air
pose
to step
en face
the dancer is facing the front
temp leve
to hop
enchainment
steps which are linked together to form a short sequence
soutenu
the movement is sustained or held
assemble
the feet are joined together in the air
fondu
a smooth, softened bending on one knee
echappe
the feet escape or move away from each other
croise
a body alignment meaning crossed. the front foot is nearest the audience.
releve
a strong snatch onto the demi pointe keeping toes in contact with the floor
ouverte
a body alignment meaning opened the back foot is nearest the audience
arabesque
a dancing position on one leg with the other on the ground or lifted
a terre
the working foot remains on the ground
En l’air
The working foot is lifted off the ground
pas de chat
a step where the dancer springs in to the air in a cat like manner
glisse
the step is glided
ronds de jambe
the working leg creates a circle or round shape
En dedans
inwardly- the working leg moves towards the supporting leg
En dehors
Outwardly-the working leg moves away from the working leg
retire
the working foot draws up to touch the supporting leg with the toe pointed then returns to the floor
attitude
a dancing position on one leg with a raised curved leg
chasse
A sliding movement where one foot chases the other
En arriere
travelling backwards
En avant
Travelling forward
Balance
A transference of weight with the accent on the first step
Soubresaut
A spring into the air from the 3rd of 5th without changing the feet
de cote
To travel Sideways
sur place
a step performed on the spot
pas de bourree
a running step taken from the french folk dancers
frappe
to strike the floor with the foot
sur le cou-de-pied
when the working foot is placed on the ankle orr the neck of the foot
temps lie
linked. steps are linked together by a transference of weight
a deux bras
both arms are used together
developpe
a slow unfolding and holding of the working leg
epaulement
A extension of the shoulder line
fouette
The working leg is whipped to the net position
pirouette
a spin on one foot
sissone
a step of elevation taking off from 2 feet and landing on one or both. a scissor action
ferme
to close. the feet finish together in a closed position
battu
to beat. A beating action of the legs
Entrechat
Interweave. a jump in the air when the leg cross and recross
quatre
four. four interweaving actions. two each leg.
