Knowing proper terminology is a key principle of my teaching philosophy. I’ve put together a solid list of terms that students should be familiar with by the end of the year.
At this age, dancers are expected to be able to memorize terminology with enough repetition, practice, and explanation.
Here is a list of ballet terms and their definitions for teachers to use in intermediate classes:
| Ballet Term = | Definition |
|---|---|
| A la seconde = | to the side / to second position |
| Adagio | slow |
| Allegro = | Jumps |
| Arabesque = | body position in which the weight of the body is supported on one leg, while the other leg is extended in back with the knee straight. |
| Assemble = | to assemble the legs together (in the air) |
| Balances = | to rock or sway |
| Battements = | |
| Chaine = | chains |
| Changement = | to change |
| Chasse = | to chase |
| Develope = | |
| Degage = | to disengage |
| Demi = | half |
| Develope = | to develop the leg |
| Eleve = | to elevate/raise (from straight legs) |
| En croix | in the shape of a cross |
| Eschappe | to escape |
| Fondu | to melt |
| Glissade = | to glide |
| Grand plies = | a full knee bend |
| Jete = | to brush |
| Pas de bourree = | beating steps (back, side, front) |
| Pas de Chat | step of the chat |
| Petit = | small |
| Pirouette en Dehors = | Outside turn with the working leg in retire |
| Pique = | to prick |
| Pique turns = | turning onto a straight leg, with working leg in posse |
| Plie | To bend |
| Port de bras = | Carriage / movement of the arms |
| Posse = | to pass (through retire) |
| Releve = | to rise (from a plie) |
| Reverence = | Curtesy or bow at the end of class |
| Rond de Jambe = | round of the leg |
| Rond de jambe en l’air= | round of the leg, with the working leg lifted off the ground |
| Saute = | to jump/spring from 2 legs |
| Tendu = | to stretch |
| Tomber | to fall |
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