Glossary of ballet terms

Because ballet became formalized in France, a significant part of ballet terminology is in the French language.

(French pronunciation: ​[a la səɡɔ̃d]) A position of the leg to the side

(French pronunciation: ​[a la katʁijɛm]) One of the directions of body, facing the audience (en face), arms in second position, with one leg extended either to fourth position in front (quatrième devant) or fourth position behind (quatrième derrière).

(French pronunciation: ​[a tɛʁ]) Touching the floor.

Italian, or French adage, meaning 'slowly, at ease.'

(Italian pronunciation: [alˈleːɡro]; meaning 'happy') Brisk, lively motion. An attribute of many movements, including those in which a dancer is airborne (e.g., assemblé, changement, entrechat, sauté, sissonne, soubresaut).

(French pronunciation: ​[alɔ̃ʒe]; meaning 'elongated.')

The apparent elegance and precision exhibited by a confident, accomplished dancer.

In dance (particularly ballet), arabesque (French: [aʁabɛsk]; literally, "in Arabic fashion") is a body position in which a dancer stands on one leg (the supporting leg) with the other leg (the working leg) turned out and extended behind the body, with both legs held straight.

(French pronunciation: ​[aʁɔ̃di]; meaning 'rounded') A position of the hand. Rounded, in contrast with allongé ('stretched out', as in arabesque).

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