Education & Community Engagement
Ballet Glossary
Balancé [ba-lahn-SAY]
This is French for
“balanced,” describing the shifting of the dancer’s weight
from one foot to the other when performing this step. The
dancer steps out to the side with one foot, crosses in front
or behind with the second foot, shifting weight with this
second step, and then replaces the weight back onto the
first foot by releasing the second.
Ballerina [bahl-LAY-Ree-nah] – An Italian word which refers to a female dancer in a ballet company.
Ballet [ba-LAY] – A theatrical work or form of entertainment that is choreographed and performed by dancers. Also includes music accompaniment, scenery, lighting, and costumes.
Ballet master, ballet mistress [ba-LAY ma-stir, ba-LAY
mis-tris]
This is the title given to the person
responsible for conducting company class for the dancers and
rehearsing the ballets. He/she is also responsible for
knowing the company’s repertoire and teaching these ballets
to the dancers.
Balletomane [ba-LAY-toh-mane]
This is the name
for a person who is a ballet enthusiast, someone who attends
the ballet regularly and is knowledgeable about all things
related to ballet – dancers, ballets, technique, history,
choreographers, choreography, styles, music, etc
Ballon [ba-LAWN] – This term means to “bounce.” When a dancer jumps in the air, pauses for a moment, and then descends to rebound up into the air again.
Ballotté [ba-law-TAY] – This is French for “tossed.” It is a process of bringing the foot from coupé to either a 45 degree angle with the knees straight, or a 90 degree angle with the knees bent. This step is performed with a series of rocking and swinging movements done from back to front.
Barre [bar]
This is French for “bar.” The term
describes the bar that either stands independently or is
secured to the wall in a dance studio and is situated
parallel to the floor. Usually made of either wood or
metal, this bar provides support for the dancers as they
perform the regular exercises at the beginning of every
ballet class.
Battement [bat-MAHN] – This is French for “beating.” This describes a beating action of either an extended or bent leg. There are two types: petits [pug-TEE] battement, which are small and consist of battement dégagés and tendus and grand battement, which are large.
Battement dégagé [baht-MAHN day-gah-ZHAY]
This is French for “released beat.” Although it is similar to the battement tendu, this movement extends beyond the tendu as the foot slides along the floor and pointes upon releasing
from contact with the ground before returning to the position from which it came. It is also used as a strengthening exercise at the barre.
Battement frappé [bat-MAHN fra-PAY] – This is French for a “struck beat.” When a dancer forcefully extends their working leg from a coupé position to the front,
side, or back. This step develops the insteps of the feet and develops the power to jump off the floor.
Battement tendu [baht-MAHN tahn-DEW]
This is French for “stretched beat.” It is a movement in which the leg and foot stretch to help elongate the legs and is a strengthening exercise usually done following pliés.
Battu [ba-TEW] – This is French for “beaten.” Any step embellished with a beat is called this.
Bourrée [boo-RAY] – This French word means “stuffed” or “packed.” These steps are done on the half-toe, with the legs in a tight fifth position and moves across the floor in a series of very small and rapid steps.
Bras (port de ~) [pawr duh brah]
This is French
for “carriage of the arms.” The term is used to describe
any movement of the arms from one position to another.
Bras, positions des [paw-zee-SYAWN day brah] – This is French for “positions of the arms.” These positions vary according to which school of dance one is following. Along with the feet, there are also five standard positions to hold your arms in ballet, along with a preparatory position. The preparatory position is when the arms are slightly rounded and are placed below and in front of the body with the finger tips almost touching one another; first position is with the arms and hands in the same shape, but are now held in front of the body, located in between the breastbone and the stomach; second position is when the arms are held out to the sides of the body, palms facing the audience, and elbows slightly rounded; third position is with one arm curved to the side, like second position, and the other curved above the head with the elbow to the side, and slightly bent with the palm facing down; fourth position is when one arm is curved above the head and one arm is curved in front, like first position; and fifth position, when both arms are curved overhead in a high circle.
Brisé [bree-ZAY] – This is French for a small beating step which means “broken or breaking.” When the working leg brushes from fifth position to second position and beats just
a few inches off the ground either in front or behind the other leg, and then returns to the original position and back to the ground with both feet simultaneously. Can also start and end with
one foot.