Education & Community Engagement
Ballet Glossary
Relevé [ruhl-VAY]
This is French for
“raised,” and is a movement in which the dancer raises up
onto his/her toes, either sur les demi-pointes or en
pointe.
Retiré [ruh-tee-RAY]
This is French for “to
withdraw.” The movement is one where the working foot is
drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg.
Révérence [ray-vay-RAHNSS] – This French term means “reverence” or “curtsy.” A term used to describe the last exercise of a class to show the students’ admiration for their teacher.
Rond de jambe [rawn duh zhahnb]
This is French
for “round of the leg,” referring to the circular movement
the leg makes. Dancers use this step to warm up at the
barre, where the leg draws a half circle around the body.
This movement can either be done à terre or en l’air, and
either en dehors (clockwise) or en dedans
(counterclockwise).
Royale [rwah-YAL] – This French word means “royal” and is a beating jump. Feet start in fifth position with the right foot front. After a plié, the body jumps up as the legs beat in the air and change position to end with the right foot behind the left.