Ballet is a beautiful and intricate art form, rich with history and tradition. Understanding the language of ballet not only enhances your appreciation but also provides a foundation for aspiring dancers and enthusiasts alike. This glossary introduces fundamental Ballet Dance Moves, positions, and terminology, serving as your starting point to navigate the captivating world of ballet.
Key Ballet Moves Explained
Ballet moves are the building blocks of choreography, each designed to express grace, strength, and precision. Here are some essential ballet dance moves you should know:
Assemblé: (pronounced assam blay) This ballet move translates to “assembled.” It’s a jump where a dancer leaps off one foot and lands on two feet simultaneously in fifth position. The legs “assemble” together in the air before returning to the ground.
Grande Jeté: (pronounced grand jeh tay) Known as a “large jeté,” this is a dramatic jump from one foot to the other. The working leg brushes powerfully forward into the air, creating the illusion that it’s been thrown, allowing the dancer to achieve significant height and distance.
Plié: (pronounced plee ay) Meaning “bent” or “bending,” plié refers to the bending of the knees. It’s a fundamental exercise in ballet, crucial for developing strength, flexibility, and shock absorption for jumps and landings. Pliés can be executed in various degrees (demi-plié or half-bend, and grand-plié or full-bend) and positions.
Pirouette: (pronounced peer o wet) This term describes a “whirl” or “spin.” A pirouette is a complete rotation of the body performed on one foot, either on pointe (for women) or demi-pointe (half-toe). It requires balance, control, and focused spotting to maintain equilibrium during the turn.
Tour en l’air: (pronounced tour on lair) Literally “turn in the air,” this is typically a dynamic step for male dancers, though ballerinas may also perform it depending on the choreography. It involves a turning jump, requiring considerable strength and elevation to execute cleanly.
Fundamental Ballet Position Terms
Positions in ballet are the codified placements of the body, arms, and legs, forming the basis for all movements. Here are some key ballet position terms:
Arabesque: (pronounced Ah rah besk) An arabesque is a pose where the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight behind the body. The height of the raised leg and the arm positions can vary, creating different lines and expressions.
Attitude: (pronounced ah tea tude) Similar to an arabesque, attitude is a pose on one leg with the other leg raised and extended behind the body. However, in attitude, the raised leg is bent at the knee at a 90-degree angle, creating a curved line.
Croisé: (pronounced quo say) Meaning “crossed,” croisé describes a body position where the dancer stands at an oblique angle to the audience, with the legs appearing crossed from the audience’s perspective. The working leg can be crossed either in front (croisé devant) or in back (croisé derrière).
Turn-out: This is a foundational principle in ballet technique. Turn-out refers to the outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints. Ideally, dancers strive for a 90-degree turn-out, allowing for greater flexibility, range of motion, and the characteristic lines of ballet.
Exploring Types of Ballet
Ballet has evolved into various styles, each with unique characteristics. Understanding these types broadens your ballet knowledge:
Classical Ballet: This is the most traditional and academic form of ballet. Classical ballet emphasizes strict adherence to established techniques and vocabulary developed over centuries. Think of iconic ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker as prime examples of classical ballet.
Modern Ballet: Emerging in the 20th century, modern ballet represents a departure from the strict rules of classical ballet. It embraces innovation, exploring a wider range of movements, themes, and musical styles. Modern ballet continues to evolve, constantly pushing the boundaries of ballet expression.
The People Behind Ballet
Ballet is a collaborative art form, involving various roles to bring performances to life:
Ballerina: This is the term for a female dancer in a ballet company, especially a principal dancer.
Danseur: The male equivalent of a ballerina, a danseur is a male dancer in a ballet company.
Choreographer: The choreographer is the artistic visionary who creates and composes ballets and dances. They invent the steps, movements, and overall structure of a ballet.
Repetiteur: A crucial role within a ballet company, the repetiteur is responsible for teaching company class and rehearsing existing ballets in the company’s repertoire, ensuring the dancers maintain the integrity of the choreography.
Balletomane: (pronounced bal lay toe mane) This term refers to a ballet enthusiast or devoted fan of ballet.
Expanding Your Ballet Vocabulary
To further enrich your understanding of ballet, here are additional essential terms:
Choreography: Choreography refers to the sequence of steps, combinations, and patterns that make up a ballet or dance piece. It is the language of dance notation in motion.
Pointe Shoes: These specialized satin ballet shoes are worn by female dancers to dance en pointe, or on the tips of their toes. Pointe shoes are constructed with a reinforced box at the toe to provide support, made of layers of fabric and glue, not wood or cement.
Tutu: The tutu is the iconic skirt worn by ballerinas. The classical tutu is short and stiff, made of layers of net that project outwards. The romantic tutu is longer and softer, reaching below the calf.
Barre: The barre is a horizontal wooden bar attached to the studio wall. It is used for support during the initial exercises in every ballet class, helping dancers develop strength, balance, and technique.
Centre Practice: Centre practice consists of exercises performed in the center of the studio, without the support of the barre. These exercises are similar to barre work but challenge dancers to maintain balance and control independently.
Pas de Deux: (pronounced pah duh duh) A pas de deux is a “dance for two,” typically a duet between a ballerina and a danseur, often showcasing technical virtuosity and partnering skills.
Adagio: (pronounced u da zhe-o) In ballet, adagio refers to slow, graceful, and sustained movements. Adagio exercises emphasize fluidity, control, and the seamless transition between poses, creating the illusion of effortless flow.
Allegro: (pronounced a leg grow) Allegro encompasses fast, lively, and brisk movements in ballet. Allegro steps typically involve jumping, leaping, and quick sequences, demanding lightness, agility, and elevation.
This glossary offers a foundational understanding of ballet dance moves and terminology. As you continue to explore this captivating art form, you’ll deepen your appreciation for its rich vocabulary and expressive power.
