Understanding Ballet Terminology: A Parent's Glossary

Ballet is a beautiful and expressive art form, but like many specialised fields, it has its own unique language. For parents new to ballet, the terminology used in the studio can sometimes feel a bit like a foreign tongue.

From "plié" to "pirouette," there's a whole vocabulary of ballet terms that dancers and teachers use to communicate. That's why we've created this simple glossary to explain some of the common ballet terminology and help you better understand the language.

Foundational Positions and Movements

Plié (plee ay): This move involves bending the knees, keeping both heels on the floor in all five positions. Pliés are crucial for developing strength and flexibility in the legs and ankles, and they act as a "spring" for jumps.

• Tendu (tohn doo): This means "stretched." A tendu involves stretching the foot along the floor until only the toes touch, keeping the leg straight. Imagine stretching your foot out to point it along the floor without lifting your heel. This movement helps to develop control and articulation in the feet and legs.

• Glissé (glee-say): Similar to a tendu, a glissé involves the foot brushing off the floor, extending a few inches into the air with a pointed toe, before returning to a closed position. Imagine the foot swiftly leaving the floor, like flicking a pebble, maintaining a straight leg and pointed foot.

• Relevé (ruh-ler-vay): This means "raised." A relevé is when a dancer rises onto the balls of their feet (or toes in pointe work), with the legs straight. Picture yourself rising up onto your tiptoes. Relevé strengthens the ankles and calves and develops balance.

• First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Positions: These are the names of the five basic positions of the feet in ballet. They are the foundation for all ballet movements. To explain them simply:

  • First Position: The heels are together, and the feet form a straight line.

  • Second Position: The feet are in a straight line, separated by about a foot.

  • Third Position: One heel is placed at the instep of the other foot.

  • Fourth Position: This is similar to the third position, but the feet are separated by about a foot.

  • Fifth Position: This is when one heel is in front of the big toe of the other foot.

Jumps and Turns

Ballet also incorporates various jumps and turns, each with its own specific terminology. Here are some of the most common:

• Sauté: This simply means "jumped." A sauté is any jump where the dancer starts and lands in the same position. Imagine a small, light jump, keeping your legs straight.

• Jeté: This means "thrown." A jeté is a jump from one foot to the other, where the working leg is "thrown" out. Picture a leap, where you spring off one foot and land on the other.

• Pirouette: This is a turn on one leg, with the other leg typically held in a bent position at the knee. The dancer uses momentum, core strength, and spotting to execute one or multiple rotations. Pirouettes are one of the more challenging ballet moves and require balance and control.

• Chassé: This means "chased." A chassé is a gliding step where one foot "chases" the other. Think of it as a smooth, flowing step, like a gentle gallop.

Body Positions and Directions

Ballet also uses specific terms and names to describe body positions and directions on stage. Understanding these will help you visualise the movements your child is learning.

• Arabesque: This is a position where the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight behind the body. Imagine a long, graceful line from the fingertips through the extended leg.

• Attitude: Similar to an arabesque in that the dancer stands on one leg, an attitude is a position where the other leg is raised and bent at the knee. There are two main types:

  • Attitude Derrière (ah-tee-TEWD deh-RYEHR): The working leg is raised behind the body.

  • Attitude Devant (ah-tee-TEWD duh-VAHN): The working leg is raised in front of the body.

• À terre: This French term means "on the ground." You’ll often hear this when referring to “Ronde de Jambe à terre,” which describes a circular movement of the working leg on the floor. Imagine the foot drawing a half or full circle on the floor, keeping the leg straight from the hip.

• En l'air: This French term means "in the air." It’s frequently used when describing “Ronde de Jambe en l'air,” where the working leg makes a circular movement in the air, with the knee held at a specific height. Picture the lower leg and foot drawing a circle in the air while the thigh remains relatively still.

Clothing and Equipment

Other than body positions and directions, ballet has specific attire and equipment that are designed for both comfort and functionality.

• Tutu: A tutu is a skirt worn by female ballet dancers. There are two main types:

  • Classical Tutu: A short, stiff skirt that sticks out horizontally.

  • Romantic Tutu: A long, flowing skirt that reaches the mid-calf.

• Pointe Shoes: These are satin shoes with a hardened box at the toe, allowing dancers to dance on the tips of their toes. Pointe work requires years of training and is only done under the guidance of a qualified teacher.

• Leotard: A close-fitting, one-piece garment that allows for freedom of movement and shows the dancer's body line.

• Ballet Flats: Soft, flexible shoes made of canvas or leather, designed for ballet practice and performance.

Class and Performance Terms

Here are some terms you might hear in your kid’s ballet class or when discussing performances at a dance school in Singapore:

• Barre: The horizontal bar that dancers use for support during warm-up exercises.

• Centre: The open space in the studio where dancers perform exercises without the barre.

• Choreography: The sequence of steps and movements in a dance.

• Rehearsal: Practice sessions where dancers learn and refine the choreography.

• Performance: A public presentation of a dance.

Supporting Your Child's Ballet Journey

Understanding ballet terminology can significantly enhance your appreciation for your child's dedication and hard work. It also allows you to communicate more effectively with their teachers and engage in conversations about their progress.

Feel free to ask questions and learn alongside your child. Reach out to our friendly staff at Dancepointe Academy if you have any further questions or need clarification on any ballet terms. We're here to support you and your child every step of the way!