Ballet Basic Positions and Movements

Study Notes

Basic Ballet Positions and Movements

Demi Plié: Knees bend halfway; heels remain on the ground.
Grand Plié: Knees bend fully; thighs parallel to the floor.
Relevé: Rising onto the balls of the feet; strengthens feet and legs.
Elevé: Rising onto the balls of the feet without bending knees.
En Croix: Movements performed in a cross pattern: front, side, back, side.
Passé: One leg bent, foot near the knee of the other leg, forming a triangle.
Devant: Position or movement to the front.
Derrière: Position or movement to the back.
Battement Tendu: Leg extends from closed to open position, foot on the floor.
Battement Dégagé: Leg slightly lifts off the floor, then returns to a closed position.

Ballet Terminology

Adagio: Slow movements requiring strength, balance, and control (e.g., pliés).
Rond de jambe: Circular movement of the foot, in the air or on the ground; foot pointed.
à terre: On the ground; movements performed with the working leg on the ground (e.g., rond de jambe à terre).
Soutenu: Sustained turn from fifth position, rising onto the toes, arms raised in an oval. Builds balance and control.
Sous-sus: Rising onto the balls of the feet in fifth position, feet in contact. A transitional movement.
En l’air: In the air; describes movements performed in the air.
Fondue: "To melt"; bending the supporting leg while the other leg is extended.
En dedans: Inward circular movement of the leg toward the supporting leg.
En dehors: Outward circular movement of the leg away from the supporting leg.
Coupé: "To cut"; one foot replaces the other; often a transitional movement or position. The foot not on the ground is placed on the ankle of the standing leg.

Description

Explore fundamental ballet positions and movements in this quiz. From Demi Plié to Battement Dégagé, enhance your understanding of ballet terminology and techniques. Perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their ballet knowledge.