Est. 2011
Simply Educational
Simply Ballet Dictionary
When you first start learning ballet it can be a bit confusing because all the steps are named in French.
Why? Well for that answer head over to our Ballet History posts here for more info…
In the meantime, check out our online ballet dictionary below to get your head around some of the terms.
A
Assemblé
To gather or bring together
A jump in which the dancer pushed off from one foot, gathering both together in the air before landing on two feet
B
Balancé – To Rock or Sway
A lilting step, generally done on a waltz rhythm. Can be done de côté (sideways) en avant (forwards) or en arrière (backwards)
Batterie – The act of beating
An action where a dancer embellished a jump by beating or crossing the thighs against one another in a series of rapid movements. Most jumps can be berformed in a simple form, or beaten.
C
Chasseé – A chased step
A linking step performed through a demi-plié. Can be used in a variety of ways depending on choreography
D
De côté – Travelling sideways
Used to describe the direction of any travelling step that moves sideways, either in the air or on the ground. Most dance steps can be taken travelling forward, backwards, or side ways (de côté)
Derrière – Behind
The term used to describe the placement of the working leg behind the body, or behind the other leg in a extended or closed position such as 5th
Devant – In front of
The term used to describe the placement of the working leg infront of the body, either extended or in a closed position such as 5th
E
Échappé – To Escape
An action where the dancer begins with the feet in 5th position and quickly moves the legs to an open position. Generally performed to 2nd or 4th, it can be a relevé or a jump
En avant – Travelling Forwards
Used to describe the direction of any travelling step that moves forwards, either in the air or on the ground. Most dance steps can be taken travelling sideways, backwards, or forwards (en avant)
En arrière – Travelling Backwards
Used to describe the direction of any travelling step that moves backwards, either in the air or on the ground. Most dance steps can be taken travelling forward, sideways, or backwards – en arriėre
Épaulement – Use of the shoulders
Derived from the verb épauler, the dancer turns the spine to bring one shoulder forward or back
F
Fondu – To Melt
A smoothly coordinated movement, bending and stretching both legs which is helpful for developing strength and control. Positions or steps can also be taken en fondus
G
Glissade – Gliding or Sliding
A connecting step often used before a jump. Can be performed in all directions and different characteristics depending on the choreography.
J
Jeté – To throw
A jump from one leg which lands on the other. Can be taken in many different forms from Jeté ordinaire (ordinary) to Grand Jeté (big throw).
P
Plié – To bend
A bending of the knees. Can be done as a demi (half) plié or grand (big or full) plié
Ports de Bras – Carriage of the arms
The training and movement of the arms within ballet is generally refered to as Ports de Bras. This could be an individual exercise, or choreographed arm movements with a dance or movement.
R
Relevé – To push up
An action of the legs where the dancers begins in demi-plié or en fondu, and with a strong, quick stretch of the legs, arrives on demi-pointe or en pointe.
Rond de Jambe – Circling of the leg
An action where the working leg performs a circular shape, either on the floor or in the air. Performed ‘outwards’ (en dehor), or ‘inwards’ (en dedans) in relation to the standing leg.
T
Tendu – To Stretch
An outstretched position or action of the leg.