Ballet Terms

Sep 28

2 min read

Need help with ballet terminology for college or exams?

The terms below are a helpful starting point for students preparing for ballet and jazz at college, or ballet exams.

Ally is a qualified online ballet and jazz teacher delivering live online lessons across the UK and worldwide for college students, adults and children. Lessons can include terminology, technique, exams, competitions, auditions and choreography, supporting all ballet syllabuses including RAD, Imperial, and Cecchett. Ally is also able to support students struggling with the ballet and jazz elements of dance course at college, including HNC Dance, HND Dance, BTEC in Performing Arts (Dance) and university dance courses.

If you need Private Online Ballet Lessons message Ally on 07999 401912 or book on my website:

https://www.movewithally.co.uk/online-dance-classes

Essential ballet terminology

Plié – bending of the knees.
Tendu – stretching the leg along the floor until the foot is fully pointed.
Dégagé – extending the foot slightly off the floor.
Rond de jambe – a circular movement of the leg.
Développé – unfolding the leg from the retiré position into an extended position.
Arabesque – standing on one leg with the other leg extended behind.
Attitude – a position on one leg with the other leg bent and lifted.
Pirouette – a turn performed on one leg.
Relevé – rising onto demi-pointe or pointe.
Assemblé – a jump in which the legs assemble together in the air.
Jeté – a jump from one foot to the other.
Adagio – slow, controlled and expressive movements.
Allegro – quick, lively movements, often including jumps.
Port de bras – the carriage and movement of the arms.