Basic Ballet terms By Kelly McCain

Question 1

One leg is extended to the back, toes are pointed, arm positions may vary. (unless I say so, toes will always be pointed.)

Answer 1

Arabesque ( arabesk)

Question 2

The horizontal bar that is in a ballet classroom. It is used for balance.

Answer 2

Barre (Bar)

Question 3

The rounding of the arms held in front of the thighs, with a small space in between.

Answer 3

Bras Bas

Question 4

A gliding step when one leg slides out in front, and the other leg is drawn along the floor towards it. May also be done in the air- a jump where one foot ‘chases’ the other foot.

Answer 4

Chassé (Sha-say)

Question 5

one (POINTED!) foot is placed at the calf, just below the knee. (of the opposite leg)

Answer 5

Coup De Pied (coo- pay)

Question 6

A small bend of the knees alignment over the toes, without causing the heels, or the foot to lift off the ground.

Answer 6

Demi Plié (Demy Pleeay)

Question 7

Rising up onto the balls of the feet, not completely onto the toes.

Answer 7

Demi Pointe (Demi Point)

Question 8

Rocking movement transferring the weight from one foot to another, first the front, then back, then front again.

Answer 8

Balancé

Question 9

A high jump.

Answer 9

Grand Jeté

Question 10

A deep bend, lifting the heels completely off the ground.

Answer 10

Grand Plié

Question 11

A jump.

Answer 11

Jeté

Question 12

A small jump, starting in Coup De Pied, while jumping, switching so that the other leg is in Coup De Pied when you land.

Answer 12

Pas de chat (Paw de sha)

Question 13

Bend the knees, so they go slightly over the toes.

Answer 13

Plié

Question 14

To rise from 1st, 2nd, or 5th position (see Flashcards 20,21, and 24) onto Demi Pointe.

Answer 14

Relevé (relevay)

Question 15

A deep curtsy performed at the end of a ballet class as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Answer 15

Reverence

Question 16

Jump off the ground with both feet, in either 1st or 5th position. (see flashcards 20, and 24)

Answer 16

Sauté

Question 17

To rise in Pointe shoes onto only the toes.

Answer 17

Pointe (point)

Question 18

Stretch one foot either in front or to the side. (Point your toes!)

Answer 18

Tendu (tondoo)

Question 19

Put your heels together, toes out. Start with this card #1

Answer 19

1st Position

Question 20

Slide both feet out from 1st, so there is a gap between your legs. #2

Answer 20

2nd Position

Question 21

Slide feet in from 2nd, so one ankle is in front of the other. #3

Answer 21

3rd position

Question 22

Slide one foot forward from 3rd. #4

Answer 22

4th Position

Question 23

Slide foot you previously slid forward backward, so that the heel in front aligns with your toes. #5

Answer 23

5th Position.

Question 24

A swaying movement of the arms.

Answer 24

Port de bras (Poor de bra)

Question 25

Turning your feet in to 1st position from a normal standing position, or doing the opposite.

Answer 25

Turn in, or turn out

Question 26

A spin

Answer 26

pirouette