A dictionary for the common terms we use in ballet.
A
1. Adagio: A slow and controlled sequence of movements, often performed with fluidity and grace, focusing on balance and extension.
2. Allégro: A term used for fast, lively movements and jumps in ballet that require speed, agility, and lightness.
3. Arabesque: A position where the dancer stands on one leg while the other leg is extended behind the body, creating a straight line.
4. Assemblé: A step where the dancer jumps into the air, bringing both legs together and then landing on two feet.
5. Attitude: A position similar to arabesque, with the working leg bent at the knee and lifted behind the body.
B
6. Ballerina: The principal female dancer in a ballet company known for technical skill, grace, and artistry.
7. Ballerino: The principal male dancer in a ballet company, admired for strength, technique, and elegance.
8. Barre: A horizontal handrail used by dancers for support and warm-up exercises to enhance balance, strength, and flexibility.
9. Battement: A movement where the leg is extended and then swiftly brought back to the starting position, typically involving a controlled kick or beating action.
C
10. Chassé: A step where one foot moves to the front, side, or back of the other foot while in a demi-plié.
11. Corps de ballet: The ensemble of dancers in a ballet company, often performing as a cohesive group to support principal dancers.
D
12. Demi-plié: A half-bend of the knees while maintaining alignment of the body, essential for proper technique and strengthening.
E
13. En pointe: Dancing on the tips of the toes using specialized pointe shoes, a technique primarily performed by female dancers.
F
14. Fouetté: A turn where the working leg is whipped around the body while the supporting leg turns rapidly, often executed multiple times.
G
15. Grand jeté: A large, horizontal jump where one leg is thrown forward into the air while the other leg follows and lands in a split position.
H
16. Pas de basque: A classical ballet step consisting of a transfer of weight from foot to foot while performing a step.
17. Pas de bourrée: A traveling step executed on demi-pointe or pointe, often used to transition between movements or change directions.
P
18. Plié: A bending of the knees, fundamental in ballet technique, performed in various degrees—demi-plié (half bend) or grand plié (full bend).
19. Pointe: The tip of a ballet dancer's shoe specifically designed to allow dancing on the toes, often associated with female dancers.
20. Port de bras: The movement or carriage of the arms in ballet, emphasizing fluidity and grace in arm positions and transitions.
R
21. Relevé: To rise onto the toes, either in demi-pointe (half-toe) or full pointe, enhancing strength and balance.
S
22. Sauté: A jump where the dancer springs into the air and lands back on the same foot or both feet.
T
23. Tour en l'air: A turning jump where the dancer completes a full rotation in the air before landing.
24. Tutu: A ballet skirt, often short and stiff, worn by female dancers for classical ballet performances.
U
25. Turnout: The outward rotation of the legs from the hips, crucial for proper ballet technique and aesthetics.
V
26. Variations: Solo performances within a ballet, often showcasing the skills and artistry of a specific dancer.
27. Vaganova method: A ballet training method developed by Agrippina Vaganova, emphasizing a strong technical foundation and musicality.
W
28. Waltz: A classic dance form and music genre characterized by a 3/4 time signature, often used in ballet choreography.
(Photo via Pinterest)
YOU ARE READING
Understanding Ballet
Non-FictionI created this book to share the magic of ballet with you in a fun and approachable way. Inside, you'll find stories behind the most beloved classical ballets and a ballet dictionary to help you understand all the essential terms. Whether you're a b...
