Dance Vocabulary 1

Explain a retire

Means "withdrawn". A position in which the thigh is raised, knee bent, foot "withdrawn"to just below the knee either in front of or behind the leg. Also referred to as paste

What is a bending of the knees done to render the joints and muscles soft and pliable, the tendons flexible and elastic and to develop a sense of balance?

Plié

Explain an arabesque.

A position where the body is supported on one leg which may be straight or bend with the working leg extended straight to the rear.

What is a releve?

Means "raised again". In dance it is a rising of the body onto the balls of the feet after a pile, then lowering of the heels to the floor.

A step in which one foot describes a half circle on the floor. The exercise is done to turn the legs out from the hip sockets.

Rond de Jambe

What term means "in the shape of a cross"?

En Croix

A step which takes its name from an 18th century dance. Commonly used version in jazz has 3 parts.

Pas de bourree

Explain an attitude.

A term referring to a particular pose in dancing derived from the statue of Mercury. Its a position on one leg, with the other leg bent and lifted to the front, side or rear.

What does Grand Battement mean?

Large beating

Explain a tendu.

Means "stretched". Brushing of the foot along the floor with the leg straight without lifting the toe. It is done to warm up and stretch the muscles of the foot as a preparation for larger leg movements.

Explain a développé.

Means developed. When the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position "en l'air".

Dance Vocabulary 1

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