Dance Terminology

Question 1

Define Devant

Answer 1

In front

Question 2

Define A’ La Seconde

Answer 2

Second position- to the side

Question 3

Define Derrie’re

Answer 3

Behind- to the back

Question 4

Define A’ Terre

Answer 4

On the ground- supporting foot is on the ground

Question 5

Define En L’air

Answer 5

In the air- a movement made when the leg is raised in the air

Question 6

Define Ferme’ (Fair- May)

Answer 6

Closed- both feet are positioned in a closed position

Question 7

Define Ouvert

Answer 7

Open position.

Question 8

Define Rond de Jambe

Answer 8

Rounding/ circle of the leg

Question 9

Define En Dehans (Ahn Dih- Dahn)

Answer 9

Inward.

Question 10

Define En Dehors (Ahn Dih- Ohr)

Answer 10

Outward- En Dehor, out the door

Question 11

Define En Croix (Ahn Krwah)

Answer 11

Crosswise- in the shape of the foot

Question 12

Define Supporting Leg

Answer 12

The leg that you are standing on- the leg that has all the weight on it

Question 13

Define Working Leg

Answer 13

The leg that is performing the movement

Question 14

Define Temps

Answer 14

This means the tempo/ timing pattern of the step

Question 15

Define Port de Bras

Answer 15

Carriage of the arms

Question 16

Define Cinq Positions Des Pieds

Answer 16

The five positions of the feet

Question 17

Define Premier Position

Answer 17

First position of the feet.

Question 18

Define Seconde Position

Answer 18

Second position of the feet

Question 19

Define Troisie’ me Position

Answer 19

Third position of the feet

Question 20

Define Quatrie’me Position

Answer 20

This is the forth position of the feet. There is either:
Quatrie’ me Position Ouverte- Open forth position
Quatrie’ me Position Croise’e- Clossed forth position

Question 21

Define Cinquie’ me Position

Answer 21

Fifth position of the feet.

Question 22

Define Glissade

Answer 22

To glide

Question 23

Define Glisse’

Answer 23

Glided or gliding- usually done at the bar.

Question 24

Define Pas Coupe’

Answer 24

Cutting step

Question 25

Define Pas de Bourre’e Couru

Answer 25

Running step.

Question 26

Define Temps De’veloppe’

Answer 26

To unfold

Question 27

Define Pas

Answer 27

Step- simple step

Question 28

Define Plie’

Answer 28

Bent, bending.

Question 29

Define Demi

Answer 29

Half- half a plie.

Question 30

Define Grande

Answer 30

Big, large, wide, deep,

Question 31

Define Petite

Answer 31

Little, small, short

Question 32

Define Pas Assemble’

Answer 32

Join together- to assemble in the air.

Question 33

Define Battement

Answer 33

Beating- beating action of the leg

Question 34

Define Tendu

Answer 34

Stretched

Question 35

Define Frappe’

Answer 35

To strike, striking action.

Question 36

Define Temps Retire’

Answer 36

Withdrawing movement or time withdrawn.

Question 37

Define Pas Jete’

Answer 37

Step thrown or throwing step.

Question 38

Define Fondu

Answer 38

A melting/ sinking down action.

Question 39

Define Pas de Chat

Answer 39

Step of the cat

Question 40

Define Changement de Pieds

Answer 40

Changing of the feet

Question 41

Define Temps E’ chappe’

Answer 41

Escaping or slipping movement

Question 42

Define Saute’

Answer 42

Jumped or jumping

Question 43

Define Pas Sissonne

Answer 43

Scissor- like movement.

Question 44

Define Adage

Answer 44

Slow, graceful, at ease.

Question 45

Define Allegro

Answer 45

Brisk,. lively.

Question 46

Define Releve’

Answer 46

Relifted.

Question 47

Define Echainement

Answer 47

Linking

Question 48

Define Pirouette

Answer 48

Whirl/ turning.

Question 49

Define Pas de Deux

Answer 49

Grand dance for two- duo

Question 50

Define Batterie

Answer 50

Battery.

Question 51

Define Pas Chasse’

Answer 51

Chasing step.