Understanding Ballet Terminology: A Comprehensive Guide with Pictures
Ballet terminology encompasses a rich vocabulary that dancers, teachers, and enthusiasts use to describe the intricate movements, positions, and techniques involved in classical ballet. This specialized language not only facilitates clear communication but also reflects the artistry and precision that define ballet as an expressive art form. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the basics or an advanced dancer refining your craft, understanding ballet terminology is essential to appreciate and master the discipline fully.
Foundational Ballet Positions
Basic Ballet Positions of the Feet
The foundation of ballet begins with the positioning of the feet. There are five primary positions, each with specific foot placement that forms the basis for movement and balance.
- First Position: Heels are together, toes turned outward, forming a straight line. This is the starting point for many exercises.
- Second Position: Feet are placed wider apart, approximately shoulder-width, with toes pointing outward.
- Third Position: One foot is placed in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot touching the middle of the back foot.
- Fourth Position: Similar to second, but with feet separated apart, about a foot's length, with one foot ahead of the other.
- Fifth Position: Heels and toes are closely together, with the heels touching and toes pointing outward, creating a tight, closed stance.
Basic Ballet Positions of the Arms
Arm positions complement foot placements and help with balance and grace. The five primary arm positions are:
- First Position: Arms rounded in front of the body, slightly below waist level, palms facing each other.
- Second Position: Arms extended out to the sides, slightly rounded, with elbows slightly bent.
- Third Position: One arm is in first position, and the other is lifted to the side in second position.
- Fourth Position: One arm is raised overhead in a rounded shape, while the other is extended to the side.
- Fifth Position: Both arms are rounded and held overhead, slightly apart, creating an oval shape.
Common Ballet Movements and Techniques
Fundamental Ballet Movements
Ballet movements are precise and often have French names that describe the action or position. Here are some of the most common:
- Plie: A bending of the knees while keeping the back straight and heels on the ground. It is fundamental for balance and technique.
- Releve: Rising onto the balls of the feet or toes, often performed from a plié.
- Degage: Disengagement or brushing of the foot off the floor to a pointed position, often used in warm-ups.
- Saute: A jump from one or both feet, meaning "to jump" in French.
- Assemble: A jump where the legs come together in mid-air before landing.
Types of Jumps
Jumps are a vital component of ballet, showcasing strength and agility. Common jumps include:
- Jeté: A jump where one leg is thrown into the air and the other supports the body.
- Sissonne: A jump from two feet to one foot, named after the dancer Sissonne.
- Tour en l'air: A turn or pirouette executed in the air, often performed as a complete rotation.
- Grand jeté: A large leap from one leg to the other, with the working leg extended forward or sideways.
Key Ballet Positions and Movements
En Dehors and En Dedans
These terms describe the direction of rotations or movements:
- En Dehors: Outward rotation, moving away from the center of the body.
- En Dedans: Inward rotation, moving toward the center of the body.
Adagio and Allegro
These terms denote the tempo and style of movements:
- Adagio: Slow, graceful movements emphasizing control and fluidity.
- Allegro: Fast, lively movements requiring agility and strength.
Special Ballet Techniques and Positions
Plié Variations
There are three main types of plié, each with specific technical requirements:
- Demiplié: A small, half-bent plié with heels slightly lifted off the ground.
- Grand Plié: A full bend of the knees, heels lifting off the ground in all positions except first.
- Reverence: A graceful bow or curtsy performed at the end of a dance, often involving a plié.
Attitude and Arabesque
These are elegant poses that showcase balance and extension:
- Attitude: A pose where one leg is lifted and bent at the knee, with the thigh at an angle, often held behind or to the side.
- Arabesque: A position where one leg is extended behind the body, with the torso upright and arms held in various positions to enhance line and balance.
Grand Pas and Petit Pas
Terms describing the scale of steps and movements:
- Grand Pas: A large, sweeping dance movement or sequence involving multiple steps and jumps.
- Petit Pas: Small, delicate steps often used in embellishments or intricate sequences.
Additional Ballet Terms with Visual References
1. Arabesque
Visualize a dancer standing on one leg with the other leg extended behind at a right angle, arms positioned to balance and create a graceful line. This pose emphasizes elongation and balance.
2. Pirouette
A spinning turn executed on one foot, with the other leg in passé (with the toes placed near the supporting knee). Dancers often perform multiple pirouettes in succession, showcasing control and precise technique.
3. Tendu
From a closed position, the working foot slides along the floor, pointing the toes outward without lifting the foot off the ground. It is used to develop strength and mastery of footwork.
4. Rond de Jambe
A circular movement of the leg, either on the ground (en dehors or en dedans), that helps warm up the hips and develop control over leg movements.
5. Fouetté
A whipping movement of the leg, often used in turns or as a quick, whipping motion to generate momentum for pirouettes or jumps.
The Importance of Ballet Terminology in Practice
Mastering ballet terminology enhances dancers' understanding of movement, helps in learning choreography accurately, and allows for precise communication among dancers and instructors. It also deepens appreciation for the art form, as each term encapsulates centuries of tradition, technique, and artistic expression.
Conclusion
Understanding ballet terminology is fundamental for anyone interested in the art and practice of ballet. From basic positions to complex jumps and turns, each term describes a specific movement or posture that contributes to the overall elegance and technical mastery of ballet. Incorporating visual aids and practicing these terms regularly will help dancers internalize the language of ballet, enabling them to perform with confidence and grace. Whether you're a student, teacher, or ballet enthusiast, mastering this vocabulary opens the door to a deeper appreciation of this beautiful performing art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the term 'plié' mean in ballet, and how is it executed?
Plié means 'bent' in French and refers to a bending of the knees while keeping the back straight. It is performed in various positions (first, second, fifth) to warm up the legs and develop strength. In pictures, you'll see the dancer with knees bent over the toes, maintaining proper posture.
What is a 'tendu' move in ballet, and what does it look like?
Tendu means 'stretched' in French and involves stretching the foot along the floor to a pointed position, with the toes remaining in contact with the ground. Pictures typically show the dancer extending the leg with the foot pointed, keeping the toes on the floor.
Can you explain the meaning of 'arabesque' in ballet and its visual appearance?
Arabesque is a ballet pose where the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended straight behind at a right angle, while the arms are positioned to create a harmonious line. Pictures depict the dancer balancing gracefully with an elongated body and extended limbs.
What is a 'pirouette' and how does it look in a photo?
A pirouette is a spinning turn performed on one foot, with the other leg typically in retiré or passé position. In photos, you'll see the dancer spinning on one leg with a focused expression and arms often in a rounded or preparatory position.
What does 'grand jeté' mean, and how is it executed?
Grand jeté is a large leap where the dancer jumps from one foot to the other, extending both legs in the air to create a split in mid-air. Pictures capture the height and extension of the leap, with the dancer's body elongated and arms often reaching forward or to the sides.
Describe the term 'port de bras' and how it is used in ballet.
Port de bras means 'carriage of the arms' and refers to the graceful movement and positioning of the arms in ballet. Photos often show dancers with arms rounded and held in specific positions, such as first, second, third, or fifth position, enhancing the overall line.
What is an 'attitude' position in ballet, and what does it look like?
Attitude is a pose where one leg is lifted and bent at the knee, with the leg held at a specific angle to the front, side, or back. In pictures, the dancer appears with one leg raised behind or in front, with the knee bent at roughly 90 degrees, creating a graceful and dynamic line.
