forward.
Attitude
A pose in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other leg lifted behind (derriere) or in front (en avant) of the body with the knee bent at approximately 120-degree angle.
Changement
Literal meaning: changing, or, to change. A jump in which the feet change positions in the air. For example, beginning in the fifth position with the right foot front, pli and jump, switching the left foot into the front and the right to the back, landing with the left foot in front, fifth position.
Chass
Chass, literal meaning - to chase or to hunt. A slide with both legs bent either forwards, backwards or sideways and meeting in the air straightened. It can be done either in a gallop (like children pretending to ride a horse) or by pushing the first foot along the floor in a plie' and springing into the air where both legs meet stretched.
Developpe
A movement when the moving leg is first lifted to retir position, then extended, the knee staying in the same place (known as attitude). Can be done en avant, derriere or a la seconde.
Glissade
Literally, to glide. This is a traveling step starting in a fifth position demi-plie, in which the working foot moves out to a point, both legs briefly straighten as weight is shifted toward the pointed foot, and the other foot moves in to meet the first. They can move in all different directions including; En avant, en arriere, deseus and desue'.
Grand pli
A full plie, or bending of the knees is similar to a deep knee bend but turned or rotated out and rather than dropping below the knees you stretch the thighs by gently forcing the knees down while the heels come off of the floor (except for second position where the heels are kept on the floor) and returning to a straightened positions by pressing the heels to the floor as you straighten the knees.
Grand jet
A grand jet is a long horizontal jump, starting from one leg and landing on the other. It is most often done forward and usually involves a split in mid-air (also called grand cart en l'air). It is referred to in some schools as a Saut de chat, or "Grand Pas de Chat".
Pirouette
One of the most famous ballet movements; this is where the dancer spins around on demi-pointe or pointe on one leg. The other leg can be in various different positions; the standard one being retir. Others include the leg in attitude, and grand battement level, second position. They can also finish in arabesque or attitude positions. A pirouette can be en dehors - turning outwards, starting with both
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
During my first ballet class at the age of 6, I still have imbedded the song that was played in class each week to help
Ever wonder what your child's dance teacher is saying when she's belting out orders to her pupils during ballet class? "
by Kathy Stemke
When the lights slowly dim and there is a hush that rolls over the audience, I am always enchanted by a beautiful ballet.
A significant part of ballet terms are in French, here are some and what they mean:
A LA SECOND; To the side or second position
APLOMB:
Ballet terms are a very much a language of their own. This is helpful for those who are teaching or choreographing because
Add your voice
Know something about Guide to French terms used in classical ballet?
We want to hear your view.
Write now!
Cast your vote!
Click for your side.
Featured Partner
Foundation for Research on Economics and the Environment (FREE)
FREE advances conservation and environmental values by applying modern science and America's founding ideals to polic...more
hide