Intro Dance Vocabulary

Front

Plie

Back

A bending of the knees outward by a ballet dancer with the back held straight.

Front

Releve

Back

A rise onto the toes.

Front

First Position

Back

A position where the heels are together, and the toes are turned out to the sides.

Front

Second Position

Back

A position where the feet are apart and turned out to the sides.

Front

Third Position

Back

A position where one foot is in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot touching the arch of the back foot.

Front

Fourth Position

Back

A position where one foot is placed in front of the other, separated by the length of one foot.

Front

Fifth Position

Back

A position where one foot is in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot touching the toe of the back foot.

Front

Battement

Back

A kicking movement of the working leg.

Front

Chaine

Back

A series of quick, 360-degree turns that alternate the feet while traveling along a straight line or circle.

Front

Chasse

Back

A gliding step in dancing in which one foot displaces the other.