We'll Start with the Basics!
Here are your first 5 ballet vocabulary words!
1. Plie: Say it like this" plee-yay
A bending of the knees.
The first exercise done at the ballet barre.
Can be done in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th positions. 3rd position is usually skipped during
barre exercises because it is similar to 5th position. Beginning level students will work in 3rd
position and then progress to 5th position plies.
2. Arabesque: Say it like this: air-ah-besk
A 90 degree or higher extension of one leg to the back.
Arms placed up or to the side, reaching and stretching.
A literal translation means a "big pose".
Click on the ballerina to find a coloring page!
3. Battement Tendu: Say it like this "bott-mah tawn-doo"
This means a stretched beat of the foot.
The working leg extends outward until your toes are
fully stretched, or pointed.
This builds stretch and strength in your feet!
Yes, there are men who take ballet classes. They are great athletes!
4. Releve: Say it like this "reh-lah-vay"
This means rising up on your toes!
When ballerinas dance on their toes in pointe shoes, it is referred to as being "on pointe". Please click on the
dancer to find a coloring page!
5. Chasse: Say it like this "shaw-say"
This means sliding or gliding movements.
Chasse means to chase. Face the mirror and slide sidways across the studio floor.
One leg chasses the other! This is a fun exercise for pre-school students!
Please click on the dancers to find a coloring page!
Check back for more fun words and coloring pages!
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