Picture this. A slender ballerina in a soft pink tutu is gracefully performing her heart out. Her pristine pointe shoes delicately lift through the air as if floating.
Never developed a knack for ballet when younger? No worries. We’re here to break down ballet terms so you’re a graceful ballerina in no length of time. So let’s hop to it! Keep reading.
1. Plie (plee-AY)
Plie, pronounced ‘pleeAY’, is an essential basic ballet term. It is a basic maneuver that forms the foundation of many dance moves. Plie involves the dancer lowering themselves into a deep, often exaggerated bending of the knees.
It’s typically done with graceful control and complete length in both legs. Depending on the style of ballet, plies can be done from a standing position or from a slightly bent position. A demi-plie is a less extreme plie, generally done from a slightly bent position.
When executing plies, the body should stay level while the legs bend and the hips remain steady. Both plie and demi-plie should involve the dancer stretching the back and spreading the arms to ensure the dance pose is correct.
2. Pirouette (peer-o-WET)
A pirouette is a spin on one foot, usually on the supporting leg. When performing a pirouette, the dancer must leap into the air, then pull up in a tall position with their arms above their head while twisting their body in a full circle. Mastering the essential ballet terms of pirouettes is essential for any aspiring ballet dancer.
Participants will learn the basic steps and positions that are essential to advancing their ballet proficiency. This ballet program aims to provide students with the requisite understanding of classic ballet terminology.
3. Arabesque (air-uh-BESK)
An Arabesque is a ballet step that all dancers need to know. It is a move in which the dancer supports their weight on one leg while the other leg is extended in the air and straight behind the body, keeping the hips square. The arms can either be in a classic position above the head, or in a different shape, depending on preference.
An Arabesque can also refer to a standing position in which the same leg-arm position is held, with the toe of the elevated leg pointed. Practice and perfect your Arabesques, and you will be a successful dancer.
4. Tendu (tahn-DEW)
Tendu, pronounced tahn-DEW, is a fundamental ballet movement. It involves a dancer moving one foot out away from the body, with a pointed toe, in one fluid motion. It can be performed while in relief, standing with both feet in the air, or demi-pointe, standing on the balls of the feet.
During a tendu, the dancer should keep the ankle slightly flexed and the pelvis still. It is an important skill as preparation for jumps or for transitioning between positions.
5. Relevé (reh-luh-VAY)
It is a movement where a dancer rises onto the toes while pushing off the floor with the balls of the feet. The muscles involved in relief help dancers perform bigger jumps and lifts, improving their sense of balance and stability in their movements. When done correctly, relief can be an incredibly graceful and beautiful movement to watch.
Explore The Dictionary Of Ballet Terms
Ballet is a beautiful art form that takes years of patience and dedication to learn. Knowing the essential ballet terms can make learning it easier and less intimidating. So why not start learning these essential ballet terms today and get a jumpstart on your journey to becoming a ballet master?
Found this article helpful? Check out the rest of our website for more tips!
