Ballet dance terminology forms the specialized language that defines the aesthetics, technique, and history of classical dance. This vocabulary, largely preserved in French, provides dancers, instructors, and enthusiasts with precise words to describe positions, movements, and artistic expression. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone seeking to progress beyond the basics and engage with the art form at a deeper level, whether in a studio, academic setting, or while appreciating a performance.
Foundational Positions and Posture
At the heart of ballet technique lie the foundational positions, particularly the five positions of the feet and arms. These positions establish alignment, balance, and the basic framework for all movement. The first position involves heels touching with toes turned out to the sides, creating a straight line. Progressing through the second (heels apart), third (one foot placed in front of the other), fourth (one foot placed directly in front or behind the other), and fifth positions (one foot directly in front of the other, heel against toe), dancers build the strength and stability required for more complex steps.
Port de Bras and Épaulement
While the feet establish the foundation, the port de bras, or carriage of the arms, completes the upper body expression. This term encompasses the graceful paths and positions of the arms, which originate from the back and shoulders to create fluid, harmonious lines. Closely related is épaulement, the subtle tilting of the shoulders and upper body to create off-center lines and enhance the three-dimensional quality of poses and turns. Together, these elements contribute to the signature elegance and sculpted appearance of classical ballet.
Core Movement Vocabulary
The descriptive language for movement itself is rich and specific. Terms like plié, which means "bent," refer to the fundamental bending of the knees, a crucial action for developing power, balance, and shock absorption. Conversely, relevé describes the action of rising up, typically onto the balls of the feet or pointe work, requiring immense strength in the calves and ankles. Other essential movements include sauté, a jump from and landing in a demi-plié, and glissade, a sliding step that travels across the floor, connecting other steps into a flowing combination.
Turns and Jumps: The Dynamic Elements
Ballet's dynamism is showcased through its turns (tours) and jumps (sauts). A pirouette is a turning movement on one leg, with the working leg held in positions such as passé, where the foot is placed near the knee of the supporting leg. The number of rotations is often specified, such as double or triple pirouette. For jumps, terminology dictates the position of the legs in the air; a sauté is a simple jump with legs in a closed position, while a grand jeté is a large, traveling split jump that creates the illusion of gliding through the air.
Directional and Spatial Terms
Choreography relies heavily on clear directional cues. Dancers are instructed to move en avant (forward), en arrière (backward), or à la seconde (to the side). The term croisé describes a position where the dancer faces one of the four corners of the room, with the legs crossing one in front of the other in a strong, open line. Similarly, effacé indicates a position where the working leg is placed behind the supporting leg, creating a sense of depth and hiding one shoulder from the audience. These spatial references are vital for ensuring precision in group formations and solos.
