Ballet Terminology: A Comprehensive Glossary

Oct 29, 2025 by Admin 45 views

Hey dance enthusiasts! Ever felt lost in translation during a ballet class or performance? Don't worry, you're not alone! The world of ballet comes with its own unique language, filled with elegant French terms that can sound a bit intimidating at first. But fear not, because we’re about to unravel the mystery and provide you with a comprehensive glossary of ballet terminology. By the end of this guide, you'll be speaking ballet like a pro! So, let's dive in and explore the essential terms that every ballet lover should know.

Basic Ballet Positions and Movements

Understanding the fundamental positions is the cornerstone of ballet. These positions serve as the starting and ending points for many steps and combinations. Let's break down the basic ballet positions and movements, making sure you're rock-solid on these essentials. Getting these down solid is super important, guys, it's like learning the alphabet before writing a novel!

The Five Positions of the Feet

First Position: In first position, the heels are together, and the feet are turned out, forming a straight line. Imagine you're standing with your heels kissing each other, and your toes pointing outwards. This position is all about turnout, which comes from the hips, not the feet, so be gentle with your body!
Second Position: From first position, slide one foot out to the side, maintaining the turnout. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart. It’s like first position, but with a little breathing room between your feet. Remember to keep that turnout! It’s what gives ballet its distinctive look.
Third Position: Third position involves placing the heel of one foot against the instep of the other. This position isn't as commonly used in modern ballet as the others but it's still good to know! Think of it as a more subtle version of fourth or fifth position.
Fourth Position: In fourth position, one foot is placed about a foot's length in front of the other, with both feet turned out. There are two variations: fourth position croisé (where the legs are crossed from the audience's perspective) and fourth position effacé (where the legs appear open). It's all about creating lines and shapes with your body.
Fifth Position: Fifth position is similar to first, but with one foot directly in front of the other, heel to toe. This is one of the most challenging positions to master because it requires a lot of turnout and balance. Keep practicing, and you'll get there!

Common Movements

Plié (plee-AY): Meaning "bent," plié is a bending of the knees. There are two main types: demi-plié (half bend) and grand-plié (full bend). Pliés are essential for developing strength, flexibility, and shock absorption. They're like the push-ups of ballet – fundamental and oh-so-important.
Tendu (tahn-DEW): Meaning "stretched," tendu involves extending one leg straight out from the supporting leg, with the toes remaining on the floor. It's all about lengthening the leg and pointing the foot. Think of it as reaching out with your foot, like you're trying to touch something far away.
Dégagé (day-ga-ZHAY): Similar to tendu, but the working leg is extended slightly off the floor. Dégagé helps develop quickness and precision in the feet and legs. It’s like a tendu with a little bit of air! The foot brushes along the floor before lifting slightly.
Rond de Jambe (rawn duh zhahnb): Meaning "round of the leg," rond de jambe involves making a circular movement with the working leg. It can be performed à terre (on the ground) or en l'air (in the air). This movement helps improve hip flexibility and control. Imagine you're drawing a circle on the floor (or in the air) with your toes.
Frappé (fra-PAY): Meaning "struck," frappé involves striking the floor with the working foot before extending it outwards. This movement develops strength and articulation in the feet and legs. Think of it as a little kick! The foot quickly extends from a flexed position.

Jumps (Sauts)

Jumps, or sauts, add dynamism and excitement to ballet. They require strength, coordination, and precise timing. Let's explore some of the most common ballet jumps.

Types of Jumps

Sauté (soh-TAY): Meaning "jumped," sauté simply means to jump. It can be done in any of the five positions. A basic sauté involves a plié, a jump straight up, and a soft landing back into plié. It’s the foundation of many other jumps. Mastering the basic sauté is crucial.
Echappé (ay-sha-PAY): Meaning "escaping," echappé involves jumping from a closed position (like first or fifth) to an open position (like second or fourth) and then back again. This jump helps develop coordination and control. Think of it as jumping out and then back in! The legs "escape" to an open position.
Jeté (zhuh-TAY): Meaning "thrown," jeté is a jump from one foot to the other. There are many variations, including jeté ordinaire (a simple jump) and grand jeté (a large, soaring jump). Jetés are all about lightness and elevation. Imagine you're throwing yourself into the air! It's a jump that covers distance.
Sissonne (see-SOHN): Named after the creator of the step, sissonne is a jump from two feet to one foot. There are several variations, including sissonne simple (a simple jump) and sissonne fermée (a closed jump). Sissonnes require strength and precision. It's a jump that lands on one foot! A strong push-off is key.
Entrechat (ahn-truh-SHAH): Entrechat is a jump in which the dancer beats their legs together in the air. The number after the word indicates how many times the legs cross. For example, entrechat quatre means the legs cross twice. These jumps are challenging and require a lot of power and coordination. It's all about the quick beats of the legs! A flashy and impressive jump.

Turns (Tours)

Turns, or tours, are another exciting element of ballet. They require balance, focus, and coordination. Let's take a look at some fundamental ballet turns.

Types of Turns

Pirouette (peer-oo-WET): A pirouette is a turn on one leg. The working leg is typically held in retiré (with the toe touching the knee of the supporting leg). Pirouettes require a strong core and a focused gaze. Spotting (focusing on a fixed point) is essential for maintaining balance. It's all about staying centered! Practice makes perfect.
Chaînés (shay-NAY): Meaning "chains," chaînés are a series of rapid turns performed on alternating feet. They create a chain-like effect as the dancer travels across the floor. Chaînés require quick footwork and coordination. Think of it as a series of quick steps that make you turn! Momentum is key.
Piqué Turn (pee-KAY turn): A piqué turn involves stepping directly onto a pointed foot (en pointe or demi-pointe) and turning. This turn requires a lot of balance and control. It's like stepping onto a needle and turning! Precision is crucial.
Fouetté (foo-ay-TAY): Meaning "whipped," fouetté is a turn in which the working leg whips around to the front before the dancer turns on the supporting leg. Fouetté is a challenging and impressive turn that requires a lot of strength and coordination. It's like whipping the leg around to help you turn! A powerful and dynamic turn.

Steps of Elevation

Steps of elevation refer to movements where the dancer rises onto the balls of the feet (demi-pointe) or onto the tips of the toes (en pointe). These steps add height and elegance to ballet.

Types of Elevation

Relevé (ruh-leh-VAY): Meaning "raised," relevé involves rising onto the balls of the feet from a plié. It can be done in any of the five positions. Relevés strengthen the ankles and feet and improve balance. It's a simple rise! Focus on lifting from the core.
Élevé (ay-leh-VAY): Similar to relevé, but élevé involves rising onto the balls of the feet without a plié. This movement emphasizes strength and control. It's a straight rise! Maintain a strong posture.
En Pointe (ahn pwahnt): Dancing en pointe involves dancing on the tips of the toes, using special pointe shoes. This technique requires years of training and a lot of strength and control. It's the epitome of ballet! A symbol of grace and elegance.

Other Essential Ballet Terms

Here are some other essential ballet terms that you should know to fully understand and appreciate the art of ballet:

Adagio (ah-DAH-zhee-oh): A series of slow, sustained movements. Adagio develops strength, balance, and control. It's all about slow and graceful movements! A beautiful and expressive part of ballet.
Allegro (ah-leh-GROH): Quick, lively movements. Allegro includes jumps, turns, and other energetic steps. It's the fast and exciting part of ballet! Full of energy and dynamism.
Arabesque (a-ra-BESK): A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended behind the body. There are several variations of arabesque, each with a different arm position. It's a beautiful and iconic pose! Creating a long, elegant line.
Attitude (a-tee-TEWD): A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg bent at a 90-degree angle. Like arabesque, there are several variations of attitude. It's a graceful and balanced pose! A curved and elegant line.
Balancé (ba-lahn-SAY): A waltzing step in which the dancer shifts their weight from one foot to the other. It's a swaying and rhythmic step! Creating a smooth and flowing movement.
Battement (bat-MAHN): A beating movement of the leg. Battements are used to develop strength, flexibility, and control in the legs. It's a fundamental exercise! Strengthening and lengthening the legs.
Cambré (kahm-BRAY): An arched position of the body. Cambré involves bending the body backwards or sideways from the waist. It's a beautiful and expressive movement! Creating a graceful and flowing line.
Changement (shahhnzh-MAHN): A jump from fifth position, changing the position of the feet in the air and landing back in fifth position with the opposite foot in front. It's a quick and clean jump! Switching the feet in mid-air.
Chassé (sha-SAY): Meaning "chased," chassé is a gliding step in which one foot chases the other out of its position. It's a smooth and flowing step! Creating a sense of gliding across the floor.
Coupé (koo-PAY): Meaning "cut," coupé is a position in which one foot is placed at the ankle of the other leg. It's a connecting step! Preparing for another movement.
Croisé (krwa-ZAY): Meaning "crossed," croisé indicates that the legs are crossed from the audience's perspective. It's a position that creates a sense of depth! A classical and elegant line.
Effacé (eh-fa-SAY): Meaning "effaced" or "shaded," effacé indicates that the legs are open and not crossed from the audience's perspective. It's a position that creates a sense of openness! A light and airy line.
En Croix (ahn krwah): Meaning "in the shape of a cross," en croix indicates that a movement is performed to the front, side, back, and then side again. It's a common sequence! Working the leg in all directions.
Fondu (fawn-DEW): Meaning "melting," fondu involves bending the supporting leg while the working leg is extended. It's a smooth and controlled movement! Creating a sense of softness and grace.
Glissade (glee-SAHD): Meaning "glide," glissade is a traveling step that connects other steps. It's a linking step! Creating a smooth transition.
Pas de Bourrée (pah duh boo-RAY): A series of quick steps often used as a connecting movement. It's a versatile step! Adding lightness and grace.
Passé (pa-SAY): Meaning "passed," passé refers to a position in which the working leg is brought to the knee of the supporting leg. It's a transitional position! Preparing for a turn or jump.
Port de Bras (por duh brah): Carriage of the arms. Port de bras refers to the graceful and expressive movements of the arms in ballet. It's an essential part of ballet! Adding elegance and emotion.
Retiré (ruh-tee-RAY): Meaning "withdrawn," retiré refers to a position in which the working leg is raised to the knee of the supporting leg. It's a preparatory position! Setting up for a turn or jump.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a comprehensive glossary of ballet terminology to help you navigate the beautiful and complex world of ballet! By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll not only understand ballet better but also appreciate the artistry and skill that goes into every performance. Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the magic of ballet! Whether you're a dancer, a student, or simply a ballet enthusiast, this glossary will serve as a valuable resource on your ballet journey. Now go forth and dance, knowing you're armed with the language of ballet!