Glossary of ballet
Wikimedia glossary list article
Because ballet became formalized in France, a significant part of ballet terminology is in the French language.
A
À la quatrième
(French pronunciation: [a la katʁijɛm]) One of the directions of body, facing the audience (en face), arms in second position, with one leg extended either to fourth position in front (quatrième devant) or fourth position behind (quatrième derrière).
À la seconde
(French pronunciation: [a la səɡɔ̃d]) (Literally "to second") If a step is done "à la seconde", it is done to the side. 'Second position'. It can also be a balance extending one foot off the ground in ‘Second Position’.
À terre
(French pronunciation: [a tɛʁ]) Touching the floor; on the floor.
Adagio
Italian, or French adage, meaning 'slowly, at ease.'
Slow movements performed with fluidity and grace.
One of the typical exercises of a traditional ballet class, done both at barre and in center, featuring slow, controlled movements.
The section of a grand pas (e.g., grand pas de deux), often referred to as grand adage, that features dance partnering.
Allegro
(Italian pronunciation: [alˈleːɡro]; meaning 'happy')
Brisk, lively motion.
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