Education & Community Engagement
Ballet Glossary
Adagio [ah-DAHZH-ee-oh]
This is an Italian word
meaning “slowly,” which is used to indicate a slow musical
tempo. As the music, dance adagio is slow, soft and
lyrical, and filled with sustained movements.
Air (en l’~) [ahn lehr]
This is French for “in
the air.” The term describes any movement done without
making direct contact with the floor.
Allégro [a-lay-GROU] – This Italian term is used to describe bright and brisk movements. The music is usually fast and lively, while the dancers jump using light and smooth qualities.
Arabesque [a-rah-BESK]
This term is derived from
a form of Moorish ornament. It is a pose with one leg
stretched straight out to the back and one arm usually
stretched out to the front. The back leg may be on the
floor or at 45, 90, or 135 degrees. These angles are
measured from the vertical, and 90 degrees means parallel to
the floor.
Assemblé [ah-sahm-BLAY]
This is French for
“assembled.” This movement is a jump in which the working
leg slides across the floor, helping to lift the dancer into
the air where his/her feet then come together before landing
in fifth position.
Attitude [a-tee-TEWD]
This term is derived by
Carlo Blasis from the statue of Mercury by Giovanni da
Bologna. As with the arabesque, this is a pose in which the
working leg is raised; but unlike the arabesque, the knee is
bent. Also unlike the arabesque, it can be done to the
front, the side or the back.