Ballet Glossary

A section emphasizing slow, controlled movement.

Controlled adagio movement, extensions, and balance demands.

Balanced and functional alignment of the body.

A section emphasizing jumps and quick footwork.

A classical position with one leg extended behind the body.

The clear and controlled definition of movement details.

The integration of technique, style, musicality, and expression.

A jump in which the legs join in the air before landing on two feet.

A position in which one leg is held in the air with the knee bent.

A three-count step with a gently swaying rhythm.

The controlled and stable maintenance of the body over its support.

The quality of lightness, buoyancy, and lively rebound in jumps.

The foundational part of class performed with support from the barre.

A family of movements based on opening, extending, or beating the leg.

A controlled movement in which both legs bend and lengthen together.

A quick, sharply extended action of the working foot.

A basic movement in which the foot stretches along the floor.

A family of jumps in which the legs or feet beat together while airborne.

A jump in which one leg beats against the other in the air.

A controlled bending of the upper body.

The unsupported technical work performed after barre.

A travelling sequence of rapid linked turns.

A jump in which the feet change places in the air.

The communication of a role’s character through movement and expression.

A gliding step in which one foot appears to chase the other.

The visual line of the body shaped by classical ballet aesthetics.

The balanced and sustainable management of movement.

The harmonious use of different parts of the body together.

The ensemble of dancers who perform together as a group.

A crossed orientation of the body in relation to the audience.

A quick action in which the foot leaves the floor slightly.

A controlled half-bend of the knees.

Behind or to the back.

In front or to the front.

A controlled unfolding and extension of the working leg.

The energy, speed, weight, and accent of movement.

An opening from a closed foot position to an open position.

An open diagonal orientation of the body in relation to the audience.

The height and airborne quality achieved in a jump.

Backward.

Forward.

Performing a movement to the front, side, back, and side.

An inward direction of turning.

An outward direction of turning.

The coordinated use of the shoulders, head, and upper body to give a position direction and expression.

Upper-body use, épaulement, and expressive quality.

The height, length, and line achieved by an extended leg.

A closed position with the feet crossed and turned out.

A basic position with the heels together and the legs turned out.

The capacity for controlled range of motion.

A soft, melting quality that connects bending and lengthening.

The quick, clear, and coordinated use of the feet.

A family of movements or turns with a whipping action.

A classical position with one foot placed in front of the other.

A quick, sharply extended action of the foot.

A low, gliding linking step.

The allegro section emphasizing large jumps.

A large, high, and controlled action of the leg.

A large travelling jump with an expansive split line.

A full bending of the knees in plié.

The general category of ballet jumps.

A controlled, quiet return to the floor after a jump.

The harmonious visual outline created by the whole body.

Controlled and functional range of movement.

The relationship of movement to musical rhythm, phrasing, and character.

A linking step with a circular change of direction.

A family of three-step linking movements.

A light jump in which the legs lift one after the other.

A choreographic section for two dancers.

An action in which the working foot passes the supporting leg.

The overall integration of technical, musical, and artistic elements in performance.

The allegro section emphasizing small, quick jumps.

The structure and flow of movement in relation to musical phrases.

A step or turn that moves directly onto a straight supporting leg.

A turn performed on one supporting leg.

The balanced and functional organization of the body.

A controlled bending of the knees.

Classical ballet technique performed on the tips of the toes in pointe shoes.

Training dedicated to pointe technique.

The coordinated carriage and use of the arms with the head and upper body.

Balanced organization of the body and control of the torso.

A rise onto demi-pointe or pointe.

The body of works, roles, and variations studied or performed.

A position with the working foot held near the supporting knee.

A family of movements in which the leg traces a circular path.

A movement performed with a jump.

A basic position with the feet apart and turned out.

A family of jumps taking off from two feet.

A dancer who performs solo or featured roles.

A transition or turn that closes the feet into position.

The action of returning the head and eyes quickly to a fixed point during turns.

The dancer’s stage presence and relationship with the audience.

The capacity to sustain technical quality throughout choreography.

The capacity to produce technical movement with control.

A jump taking off from and landing on the same foot.

A low-to-the-ground movement quality with little elevation.

A position with the heel of one foot near the middle of the other.

A turn performed in the air.

The general category of turns and turning technique.

Outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints.

A solo work from the ballet repertoire.

The balanced distribution of weight over the points of support.