French Ballet Term ‘en Avant’
When it comes to classical ballet, there are a few terms that all dancers must understand in order to effectively communicate with one another. One of these terms is ‘en avant’, which is a French term meaning ‘forward’. This word is commonly used by ballet teachers, choreographers and directors to cue a dancer to move forward in a particular step or sequence.
The phrase ‘en avant’ literally means ‘to the front’ and is most commonly used when instructing dancers to move forward in the five basic positions of ballet. The five basic positions include first position (feet together), second position (one foot in front of the other), third position (one foot behind the other), fourth position (feet apart) and fifth position (feet together).
When a dancer is instructed to move en avant, they are asked to take one step forwards with their right foot while keeping their left foot stationary. This will bring them into the second position and help them begin their next step or sequence.
In addition to being used when teaching specific dance steps, en avant can also be used as an instruction for group work such as group jumps or pirouettes. When this occurs, all dancers must move at the same time and in unison towards the front of the room. This term can also be used as an overall cue for choreography, such as when a teacher wants their students to perform certain steps while traveling across the floor in a particular direction.
En avant is an important term for any dancer to understand and use effectively when learning or performing ballet. With practice and dedication, dancers can become proficient at using this term during rehearsals or performances so that they can properly execute steps or sequences without confusion or hesitation.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, French ballet term ‘en avant’ means ‘forward’ and is used by teachers, choreographers and directors to cue dancers to move forward in particular steps or sequences. It can also be used as an instruction for group work such as jumps or pirouettes, or even as an overall cue for choreography. Understanding this term and utilizing it properly helps create better coordination between dancers on stage and creates smoother transitions between movements during performances.
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