Knowing proper terminology is a key principle of my teaching philosophy, and you can never start too early! 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 capable of understanding the definitions with enough repetition and explanation. So avoid using improper terms like “side skips” instead of the correct phrase, “chasse.”
Here is a list of ballet terms and their definitions for teachers to use in beginner classes:
| Ballet Term = | Definition |
|---|---|
| A la seconde = | to the side / to second position |
| Adagio | slow |
| Allegro = | fast |
| 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) |
| Chaine = | chains |
| Changement = | to change |
| Chasse = | to chase |
| 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 |
| Jete = | to brush |
| Pas de bourree = | beating steps (back, side, front) |
| Pas de Chat | step of the chat |
| Petit = | small |
| Pique = | to prick |
| 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 |
| Saute = | to jump/spring from 2 legs |
| Tendu = | to stretch |
| Tomber | to fall |
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