Adagio (Adage)
Definition/Translation: Slow controlled movement.
Description: A series of exercises from the center consisting of movement that is slow, graceful, and controlled. The exercise can be simple or complex, but it should be performed with fluidity, ease, and gracefulness. The exercises should have a sustaining power and balance which enables the dancer to perform majestically and gracefully.
Promenade
Definition/Translation: In a Walk
Description: A movement that is held in either an arabesque or an attitude, while the supporting leg of the dancer is "walking". This means the dancer's supporting leg is pivoting their heel in a circle until reaching their position. The dancer can do a series of poses with their lifted leg and arms while pivoting in a circle.
Devant
Definition/Translation: In front
Description: A body position where the working leg extends to the side of the dancer's body. As the leg is to the side, the arms of the dancer should be held in seconde while the head is facing erect towards the audience. The dancer's body should be held high and strong.
Derrière
Definition/Translation: In back, behind
Description: Another body position where the working leg of the dancer is either to the back or the front of their body. The arms should be held in seconde while the head of the dancer should face the audience in an erect position.
À la Seconde
Definition/Translation: To the second
À la Quatrième
Definition/Translation: To the fourth
En Face
Definition/Translation: Facing the front
Croisé
Definition/Translation: Crossed
Effacé
Definition/Translation: Shaded
Écarté
Definition/Translation: Spread across
Épaulé
Definition/Translation: Shouldered
Ballet Movement Types
Attitude
A Body position where the lifted leg is bent while turned out in the air.
Renversé
The bending of the body during a turn, such as a pirouette, which shifts the dancer's normal balance but not their equilibrium.
Balancé
A move that shifts the weight from one foot to the other back and forth.
Pirouette
A full turn that is done on one foot while on releve.
Chaîné
A type of turn that contains two foot rather than one.
Allegro
A type of movement that is lively, brisk, and jumpy.
Descriptive Ballet Movements
Échappé
The action of opening and closing from a closed position.
Sauté
Jump
Changement
Changing of the feet
Entrechat Quatre
Intertwined beating
Dessous
Under
Dessus
Over
En Avant
Forward
En Arrière
Backwards
Ballet is a beautiful and expressive art form that requires precision, control, and grace. The terminology used in ballet is essential for both dancers and instructors to understand, as it forms the basis for communicating and executing movements effectively. As dancers learn and perfect their craft, mastering these terms and movements is vital for their development and growth in the art of ballet.
