What Is a Leg Lift Called in Ballet?

Ballet

In ballet, a leg lift is an essential technique for achieving classical beauty and precision. Leg lifts are used to demonstrate the strength and flexibility of the dancer’s legs, and often to create a line from the top of the head to the toes in a graceful arc.

Leg lifts are usually performed in three directions: front, side, and back. The front leg lift is also known as a grand battement, and involves raising one leg from the hip to a high point in the air before bringing it back down again.

The side leg lift is called an écarté or rond de jambe en l’air, and involves raising one leg out to the side while keeping it straightened and pointed. Lastly, the back leg lift is called an arabesque or grand écarté, and involves raising one leg behind the body while keeping it extended and pointed.

In addition to these three main types of leg lifts, there are variations that can be added for aesthetic effect or difficulty. For example, some dancers will add multiple beats (small hops) while their legs are in the air or add turn-out of the hips or feet while executing a lift. Additionally, some dancers may choose to hold their legs at various heights during certain points within a routine for dramatic effect.

Overall, leg lifts are an important part of ballet technique that require strength, flexibility, balance, control, and grace. In order for a dancer to properly perform them on stage with confidence and precision they must be practiced regularly during class time as well as rehearsals.

Conclusion: What Is a Leg Lift Called in Ballet? In ballet, there are three main types of leg lifts – grand battement (front), écarté/rond de jambe en l’air (side), and arabesque/grand écarté (back).

Variations can be added for aesthetic effect or difficulty such as multiple beats or turns out of the hips/feet during execution. Leg lifts require strength, flexibility, balance control and grace – all important aspects for any dancer’s technique that must be regularly practiced during class time and rehearsals.