gvsu ballet technique vocab

À la quatrième

A ballet term that denotes a position where the dancer stands with one foot in front of the other, at the fourth position, allowing for greater balance and extension in movement.

En Cloche

A term in dance where the dancer performs a movement resembling a bell shape, often characterized by an upward and downward motion.

Passé

to pass ; A movement in ballet where the dancer brings their working leg up to the knee of their standing leg, typically used to transition into other movements.

À terre

A ballet term meaning "on the ground," indicating movements executed while the dancer is in contact with the floor, emphasizing groundedness and stability.

En Croix

A ballet term meaning "in the shape of a cross." It refers to a pattern of movement where the dancer performs a series of steps or positions in multiple directions, typically emphasizing the front, side, and back.

Petit(e)

A term in ballet meaning "small" or "little," often used to describe small movements or steps that require precision and control.

Assemblé

A ballet term meaning "to assemble". It describes a movement where a dancer jumps and lands with both feet together, often used to transition between steps.

En dedans

A ballet movement in which the working leg moves in a circular motion inward, beginning from the back to the front.

Pirouette

A dance movement involving a complete turn of the body on one foot, often performed in ballet as a hallmark of technique and control.

Balancé

A ballet term that refers to a rocking or swaying movement, typically performed on the beat. It involves shifting weight from one foot to the other in a graceful manner.

En dehors

A ballet movement in which the working leg moves in a circular motion outward, starting from the front to the back.

Plié

A basic ballet movement where the dancer bends the knees while keeping the feet flat on the floor, often used to prepare for jumps or turns.

Battement

to beat ; A ballet action where the dancer kicks or brushes the working leg away from the body, typically either to the front, side, or back.

En Haut

A ballet position where the arms are raised above the head, creating an elegant and high posture.

Port de Bras

The movement of the arms in ballet, often involving graceful positioning and transitions.

Battu

A term in ballet referring to a beating action of the leg, often used in combination with other movements.

En l’air

A ballet term referring to movements executed in the air, typically involving jumps or elevated positions.

Relevé

A ballet term referring to the act of raising the body onto the balls of the feet, usually executed from a flat foot position.

Changement

A ballet step where the dancer changes feet in the air, landing on the opposite foot.

En tournant

A ballet term referring to turning movements performed while elevating off the ground, often used in jumps or spins.

Retiré

A ballet position where one leg is raised and bent at the knee, with the foot placed near the supporting knee.

Croisé

A position in ballet where the dancer stands with one leg crossed in front of the other, typically facing the corner of the stage.

Entrechat

A ballet jump where the legs cross in the air, often landing in fifth position.

Rond de jambe

A ballet movement that involves circular motions of the leg, either on the ground or in the air.

De côté

Épaulment

Sans Changer

Dégagé

Fermé

Sauté

Derrière

Fondu

Sissonne

Dessous

Fouetté

Soubresaut

Dessus

Frappé

Sous-sus

Devant

Glissade

Soutenu

Développé

Grand(e)

Sur le cou-de-pied

Écarté

Ouvert

Temps levé

Échappé

Par Terre

Temps lié

Effacé

Pas de basque

Tendu(e)

En Arrière

Pas de bourrée

Tombé

En Avant

Pas de chat

En bas

Pas de cheval