Ballet Terminology (copy)

for intro to theatre dance

Adagio

slow, sustained movement

A la seconde

to the side

Allegro

brisk, lively

Arabesque

takes name from moorish ornament. dancer stands on one supporting leg, both legs straight with back leg turned out.

Assemble (extra credit)

join together, legs join in air

Attitude

pose derived from statue of mercury

balancé (extra credit)

rocking step, down-up

battu

beaten, add a beat

cambre

arched

chaines

chains or links

changement

to change

chasse

to chase

cou de pied (sur le)

neck of the foot, wrapped at the ankle

coupe

cut

degage

disengage

demi plie

half bend

devant

front

derriere

back

développés (extra credit for 1st period)

to develop, working leg drawn to knee then extended to open position

En croix

in the shape of a cross

Fondue (extra credit)

to melt, sinking down

Frappe (extra credit for 1st period)

to strike

Grand Battement

large beat

Grand jete

large throwing step, transfers weight

Grand plie

large bending of the knee

Jete

throwing step

Saute

jump

Pique

to prick

Tendu

to stretch

Pirouette en dehors

outward, spin outward

Pirouette en dedans

spin inward

Retiré (extra credit for 1st period)

withdrawn

Passé

to pass, passed

Attitude (extra credit for 1st period)

pose derived from statue of mercury