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A significant part of Ballet terminology is in the French Language . ''Unless there is much to say about a specific term, there is no reason to put each and every one of them into a separate article.'' ''Please remember that foreign terms should be in ''italic'', unless commonly accepted in the English language.'' À la seconde To the side or in second position. ''À la seconde'' usually means a step that moves sideways or a movement done to the side such as ''grand battement à la seconde''. Also refers to the male equivalent turn of foutte. Adagio ADAGE (French), ADAGIO (Italian) In music, ''Adagio'' means "slowly", and in ballet it means slow, unfolding movements. In a classical ballet class, the ''Adagio'' portion of the lesson concentrates on slow movements to improve the dancer's ability to control the leg and increase extension (i.e. to bring the leg into high positions with control and ease). In a '' Grand Pas '' (or ''Classical Pas de deux''; ''Grand Pas d'action''; etc.), the ''Adagio'' is usually referred to as the ''Grand adage'', and often follows the '' Entrée ''. This ''Adage'' is typically the central movement of the ''Grand Pas'' where the Ballerina is partnered by the lead male ''Danseur'' and/or one or more suitors. In ballet, the word ''adagio'' does not refer to the music accompanying the dance but rather the type of balletic movement being performed. For example, the ''Grand adage'' of the famous ''Black Swan Pas de deux'' from Swan Lake is musically an ''Andante'', while the choreography is ''Adagio''. Allégro Bright and brisk movements. Aplomb Aplomb refers to stability of the position. Arabesque Literally "in Arabic fashion". The position of the body supported on one leg, with the other leg extended behind the body with the knee straight. The back leg may either touch the floor in ''tendu'' back (called ''arabesque par terre''), or be raised at an angle. Common angles are 45° (also called ''à demi hauteur''), and 90° (''à la hauteur''). When the angle is much greater than 90° and the body leans forward in line with the back leg, the pose is called ''arabesque penchée''. There are also various arm positions, such as forward on the same side as the back leg or the other arm forward. See also: Attitude . Arrière French for "back". A step ''en arrière'' moves backwards, away from the audience. A movement done to behind the dancer would be termed for instance ''grand battement en arrière''. Assemblé Literally "assembled". A movement where the first foot performs a ''battement glissé''/''degagé'', "swishing" out. With the dancer launching into a jump, the second foot then swishes up under the first foot. The feet meet together in mid-air, and the dancer lands with both feet on the floor at the same time, in third or fifth position. |
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