Ballet Terminology

Front

Adage

Back

At ease or leisure; a series of slow and graceful movements in ballet.

Front

Allegro

Back

Brisk, lively movements in ballet.

Front

Arabesque

Back

A basic ballet pose with the body supported on one leg, the other leg extended behind.

Front

Assemblé

Back

A step where the working foot slides along the ground before being swept into the air.

Front

Balancé

Back

A rocking step, shifting weight from one foot to the other.

Front

Ballerina

Back

A principal female dancer in a ballet company.

Front

Ballet

Back

A theatrical work or entertainment with dance, costumes, scenery, and lighting.

Front

Ballon

Back

The light, elastic quality in jumping in ballet.

Front

Barre

Back

A horizontal wooden bar used for support in ballet practice.

Front

Bas, en

Back

Low; used to indicate a low position of the arms in ballet.