Ballet is a beautiful and structured form of dance that uses a special language. Learning this language helps young dancers understand instructions, follow choreography, and feel more confident in class. While some ballet terms may sound foreign or tricky at first, they become second nature with time and practice.
Why Learning Ballet Terms Is Important
Understanding ballet terms helps dancers know exactly what to do when the teacher gives instructions. Ballet uses French words to describe positions and movements. These terms are used in dance classes all over the world, so learning them also connects dancers to a bigger community.
Basic Ballet Positions
Every dancer starts with learning the five basic positions. These positions are the building blocks of ballet and are used in almost every class or performance.
First Position
In the first position, the heels are together and the toes point out to the sides, making a straight line with the feet. The arms are rounded and held in front of the body.
Second Position
The feet are apart with toes pointing outward, and the arms are also open and curved, held slightly in front at shoulder height.
Third Position
One foot is in front of the other, and the heel of the front foot touches the middle of the back foot. One arm is curved in front of the body while the other is held to the side.
Fourth Position
The feet stay turned out, but one foot steps forward and doesn’t touch the back foot. Arms are curved with one in front and one above the head.
Fifth Position
The front foot’s heel touches the back foot’s toe, with both feet turned out. One arm is in front of the body, and the other is raised above the head.
Common Ballet Movements
Once dancers are familiar with the positions, they learn to move through them. Here are some easy-to-understand terms for ballet steps and actions.
Plié (plee-AY)
This means to bend the knees while keeping the heels on the ground (unless in demi-pointe). It helps warm up the legs and builds strength.
Relevé (reh-luh-VAY)
This is when a dancer rises on the balls of their feet. It helps with balance and posture.
Tendu (tahn-DEW)
This move stretches the foot out from one position to another, brushing the floor with the toes.
Dégagé (day-gah-ZHAY)
Similar to a tendu, but the foot lifts slightly off the floor. It builds speed and control in the legs.
Rond de Jambe (ron duh zhahm)
This means “circle of the leg.” The dancer draws a circle on the floor with the working foot while standing on the other.
Fondu (fawn-DEW)
Both legs bend at the same time, like a soft, melting motion. It teaches coordination and balance.
Frappé (fra-PAY)
This is a quick strike of the foot against the floor or ankle. It improves sharp, fast movements.
Passé (pah-SAY)
The working foot passes up the leg to the knee and stops there. It’s often used in turns and balances.
Movements in the Air
Ballet also includes movements where dancers leave the ground. These steps are both fun and exciting, but they require time to master.
Sauté (soh-TAY)
This simply means “jump.” A sauté starts and ends in the same position, like a jump in first or second position.
Jeté (zhuh-TAY)
A small leap where one leg brushes into the air and lands on the opposite leg. It looks like a gentle split in the air.
Assemblé (ah-sahm-BLAY)
This is when one foot brushes off the ground and the other foot meets it in the air before landing together.
Glissade (glee-SAHD)
A gliding step where one foot brushes out and the dancer slides from one leg to the other.
Turns and Spins
Turning is a fun part of ballet but requires practice and balance. These terms help dancers determine the type of turn to perform.
Pirouette (peer-oo-ET)
A complete turn is done on one foot, usually with the other foot placed at the knee in passé.
Chassé (sha-SAY)
A chasing step where one foot chases the other. It is often used to gain momentum before a leap or spin.
Chaînés (sheh-NAY)
A series of quick, connected turns that travel across the floor in a straight line.
Balancé (ba-lahn-SAY)
A rocking step, shifting weight from one foot to the other, is used in both slow and lively dances.
Arm Movements
In ballet, the arms play a crucial role in expressing the story and supporting the movements. Here are a few terms about how dancers move their arms.
Port de Bras (por duh brah)
This means “carriage of the arms.” It describes how arms move gracefully from one position to another.
Arabesque (ah-rah-BESK)
A position where the dancer stands on one leg and stretches the other leg behind them. The arms are held in various graceful positions.
Cambré (kahm-BRAY)
A bend of the body from the waist, either to the front, side, or back.
French Words, Global Dance
Most ballet terms are in French because ballet began in the royal courts of France hundreds of years ago. Dancers around the world use the exact words, which is why ballet is often described as a universal language.
By learning these terms, young dancers gain confidence and a better understanding of what their teacher is asking. It also helps them grow more independent in their learning, as they begin to connect movement with language.
Conclusion
For young dancers, learning ballet terms is just as important as knowing the steps themselves. These words give structure to their lessons and help them feel more comfortable and capable in class. As they continue to dance and hear these terms again and again, they’ll soon be using them like second nature.
Kew School of Dance supports young dancers at every stage, ensuring they learn in a fun, friendly, and easy-to-understand manner. If you’d like to know more about our ballet classes, feel free to contact us at 03 9123 8458 / 0410 311 008.
