What Does en Devant Mean in Ballet?

Ballet

Ballet is the art of classical dance. It has been around since the Middle Ages and is a type of performance art.

One of the most common terms used in ballet is ‘en devant’, which translates to ‘in front’. This phrase is used to describe a particular position that a dancer takes when performing certain steps.

En Devant in Ballet

The phrase en devant is used to refer to a specific position taken by dancers during steps such as grand jeté, assemble, and tour jeté. When en devant is called out by the instructor, it means that the dancer should jump forward with their arms reaching forward and up, while one leg extends out in front of them.

The other leg will be bent behind them for balance. It can also be used as an adverb to mean that the dancer should move forward from their current position towards the audience, usually with their arms extended above their head.

This position requires good balance and control from the dancer, so it’s important for them to practice it regularly to ensure they can do it safely and effectively. It also helps them learn how to control the power behind their movements so they don’t overextend themselves or injure themselves while performing complex steps.

En Devant in Other Dance Styles

En devant isn’t just used in ballet; it’s also seen in other types of dance such as contemporary, jazz, and hip hop. In these styles, en devant still means “in front” but has a slightly different application than in ballet. When dancing these styles, en devant usually refers to facing or turning towards the audience rather than jumping forward into a specific position like in ballet.

Conclusion
In summary, en devant is a term used in many different types of dance including ballet and other popular styles such as contemporary, jazz and hip hop. It translates directly to ‘in front’ and refers to a specific position taken by dancers during certain steps or turning towards the audience when performing other styles of dance. With regular practice and good control over their movements, dancers can successfully perform steps involving en devant with grace and power