Glossary of ballet

Glossary of Ballet

Ballet is a form of performance dance that originated during the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It has since become a widespread, highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary based on French terminology. This glossary provides definitions and descriptions of common ballet terms.

A

• Adagio - A music term used for slow, sustained movements. The 'adagio' section of a ballet class focuses on slow movements that emphasize control, poise, and fluidity.
• Allégro - A term applied to brisk, lively movements. Allégro in a ballet class typically involves jumps ranging from small (petit allégro) to large (grand allégro).

B

• Barre - A horizontal bar along a studio wall for ballet exercises. Dancers use the barre for support during the warm-up portion of class.
• Battu - A ballet term meaning "beaten." Any step embellished with a beat is considered battu, such as jeté battu where the legs are beaten together before landing.

C

• Chassé - A sliding step in which one foot chases the other out of its position; used as a traveling step.
• Coupé - A step where one foot cuts the other away, taking its place. It can be used as a linking step or an action on its own.

D

• Danseur - A male ballet dancer.
• Développé - A movement where the dancer's working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l'air.

E

• Échappé - A movement meaning "escaped." A dancer moves from a closed position to an open position, such as from fifth position to second position.

F

• Fouetté - A whipping movement. In a fouetté rond de jambe en tournant, the dancer executes a rapid spin on one foot while the other leg whips around to initiate each turn.

G

• Glissade - A gliding step executed by moving one foot outwards, and the other foot slides to meet it; often used as a linking step.

J

• Jeté - A leap from one leg to the other in which one leg is thrown to the side, front, or back.

P

• Pas de deux - A dance for two, typically a male and female dancer, featuring parts that showcase their skills individually and together.
• Pirouette - A turn on one leg that is typically performed with the other leg in retiré position (drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg).

R

• Rond de jambe - A circular movement of the leg. It can be performed on the ground (à terre) or in the air (en l'air).

S

• Sauté - A jump off both feet, landing in the same position.

T

• Tendu - A movement where the leg is extended along the floor until the toe leaves the ground, creating a pointed foot.

V

• Variation - A solo dance within a larger piece, such as a ballet, showcasing a dancer's technique and artistry.