to follow directions the dancer must know some important directional words such as:

"EN AVANT," forward;

"EN ARRIERE," backward;

"EN DEDANS," inward;

"EN DEHORS," outward;

"OUVERTE," opened and "EN L'AIR," in the air;

"EN TERRE," on the ground;

"DIAGONALE,"diagonal; "EN FACE," facing the audience;

"REVELE," raised,

and

"ALLEGRO," lively, quick movement.

When you have learned the positions and directional ballet terms, you are ready to discover the meaning of some beginning ballet steps. The "arabesque," "developpe," and pirouette" represent some basic ballet movements.

"ARABESQUE" is a pose that is used often. One leg supports the body while the other leg is stretched backward. It can be done with the back leg touching the floor or lifted high into the air.

"DEVELOPPE" begins in any position, by slowly pulling the working leg up the supporting leg to the knee, and then extending it parallel to the floor or even higher.

"PIROUETTE" is a full turn executed on one foot. It can be done it many different positions.

"ASSEMBLE" is a jump from one foot, landing on two.

"SISSON" is a jump from two feet, landing on one foot.

"CHAINES" are a series of turn.

When you hear the opening notes played by the orchestra in "Swan Lake" and the "VIRTUOSO" ballerina is spotlighted in the center of the stage, your heart is sure to race in anticipation of her first "ARABESQUE". Suddenly the "CAVALIER" rushes onto the stage to lift her "EN L'AIR". As your face lights up with a smile and your eyes sparkle with joy, you will notice that the ballet terms you have learned are adding to your enjoyment. Finally, when the "CORPS DE BALLET" performs the "CODA" (the finale of a classical ballet), you might just leap up and shout, "BRAVO"!

Learn more about this author, Kathy Stemke.
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