What Are the Terms of Ballet Dance?

Ballet

Ballet is a classical dance form that has been around for centuries, and its movements and techniques remain largely unchanged. Ballet combines grace and strength with an intricate system of technical terms.

These terms are used to describe the steps, movements, and poses that make up a ballet dance. Knowing the correct terminology is essential for dancers to understand what their teachers and choreographers are asking them to do.

The basic steps in ballet are called “positions”. There are five positions of the feet, which are numbered from first to fifth. The first position is when the feet are together; the second position is when they’re turned out slightly; the third position has one foot slightly in front of the other; fourth position has one foot crossed in front of the other; and fifth position is when both feet are turned out fully.

Jumps and leaps are some of the most impressive moves in ballet, but they also require precise technique. A grand jeté is a leap where one leg is extended straight out while the other leg bends behind it.

A pas de chat is a jump where one leg moves forward while the other goes backward. An assemblé is similar to a grand jeté, but both legs extend out before coming together again.

Turns can be done either on two feet or on one foot (en pointe). An échappé turn has two quick steps done on two feet before turning in a circle. An entrechat quatre is a series of beats done on one foot with each beat bringing your legs higher off the ground.

Pirouettes are spinning turns done on one foot, usually with arms extended in either first or fifth position. A fouetté turn starts with a quick whipping motion of one leg before spinning around multiple times.

Adagio variations involve slow, graceful movements that require strong control and balance from both partners. The arabesque hold requires partners to stand back-to-back while keeping their arms raised above their heads. Other adagio variations include tendus (smooth extensions) and pas de bourrée (small steps).

Pointe work, or dancing en pointe, requires dancers to stand on their toes while wearing special shoes with reinforced toe boxes. This type of work requires immense strength and control as well as proper technique for safety reasons.

Ballet is an art form that requires years of training to perfect its complex vocabulary of moves and positions. By understanding these terms, dancers can become better at performing these intricate steps and movements – ultimately leading them closer to mastering this beautiful art form.

Conclusion:


From positions to jumps and turns, there are many different technical terms used in ballet dancing that describe specific steps or movements within a performance piece. Knowing these terms helps dancers better understand what’s being asked by their instructors or choreographers so they can perform correctly and safely while perfecting their craft as dancers.