🩰 Ballet Terminology A–Z: The Ultimate Guide (Refreshed)

Learning ballet is like learning a new language. This guide breaks down each term with a simple definition, how you’ll hear it in class, and a quick tip or common mistake to watch.

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A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

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A

Adagio (ah-DAH-zhee-oh)

Meaning: Slow, fluid movement emphasizing control and line.
In class: Seen in center; développés, balances, promenades.
Tip: Don’t rush—breath supports balance.

Allégro (ah-LAY-groh)

Meaning: Bright, brisk steps—often jumps.
In class: Petit allégro (small jumps) and grand allégro (large traveling jumps).
Tip: Think buoyant—not frantic.

Allongé (ah-lawn-ZHAY)

Meaning: “Lengthened/extended,” often through arms or arabesque line.
In class: “Arabesque allongé.”
Tip: Reach past fingertips and toes without collapsing ribs.

Arabesque (ah-rah-BESK)

Meaning: Standing on one leg with the other extended straight to the back.
In class: Found in adagio, variations, and choreography.
Tip: Back leg stays straight; square the hips.

Assemblé (ah-sahm-BLAY)

Meaning: “Assembled.” One foot brushes, both legs join in the air, land together.
In class: Common in petit allégro.
Tip: Squeeze thighs together midair for a clean close.

Attitude (ah-tee-TEWD)

Meaning: One leg lifted (front or back) with a bent knee.
In class: Poses, turns, and adagio.
Tip: Lift the thigh—don’t just bend the knee.

Avant, en (ahn ah-VAHN)

Meaning: “Forward/to the front.” Directional cue.
In class: “Tendu en avant.”
Tip: It’s a direction, not a position.

Abstract ballet (ab-STRAKT bal-AY)

Meaning: Ballet without a narrative plot—movement-driven.
In performance: Common in contemporary works.
Tip: Focus on musicality and architecture of steps.

Allégro (duplicate entry reference)**

Already defined above as the standard usage for jumps and brisk work.

B

Balancé (bah-lahn-SAY)

Meaning: Rocking step in three counts (down–up–down).
In class: Links phrases smoothly.
Tip: Travel; don’t mark it in place.

Balançoire (bah-lahn-SWAHR)

Meaning: “Like a seesaw/bell.” Leg swings front to back (often with torso counter-tilt).
In class: Used with grands battements, dégagés.
Tip: Control the swing from the hip.

Ballon (bah-LAWN)

Meaning: Quality of light, suspended jumping.
In class: Compliment: “Great ballon.”
Tip: Soften landings—absorb through feet and plié.

Balloné (bah-law-NAY)

Meaning: Leg extends to 45°, then knee folds to sur le cou-de-pied.
In class: Petite allegro embellishment.
Tip: Keep the working foot clearly wrapped.

Ballotté (bah-law-TAY)

Meaning: Rocking step with coupé dessous (45° or 90°).
In class: Often in petite allegro phrases.
Tip: Keep torso stable as legs “toss.”

Ballerina (bal-uh-REE-nuh)

Meaning: Traditionally a principal-rank female dancer.
In context: Not every female dancer is a “ballerina.”
Tip: Use respectfully for rank or principal status.

Ballerino (bal-uh-REE-noh)

Meaning: Italian term for a male principal dancer.
In context: Less used in English; “danseur” is standard.
Tip: Avoid sarcastic usage—keep it professional.

Ballet (bal-AY)

Meaning: The art form itself—a choreographed, theatrical dance to music.
In context: Includes choreography, costumes, lighting, scenery.
Tip: Distinguish the art form vs. a single work.

Ballet blanc (bal-AY BLAHNK)

Meaning: “White ballet”—romantic white tutus (e.g., La Sylphide, Giselle).
In performance: Uniform “white” corps.
Tip: Stylistic softness and buoyant footwork.

Ballet Master / Ballet Mistress (BAL-ay MAS-ter / MIS-tres)

Meaning: Staff who teach company class and rehearse works.
In company: Key to daily technique and staging.
Tip: Titles may vary (rehearsal director).

Ballet technique (BAL-ay tek-NEEK)

Meaning: Foundational principles of placement, alignment, turnout, coordination.
In class: Trained daily at barre and center.
Tip: Technique supports artistry—never “extra.”

Balletomane (bal-ET-oh-mayn)

Meaning: A passionate ballet enthusiast.
In culture: Term coined in Russia (c. 1930s).
Tip: Not a technical rank—an avid fan.

Barre (bar)

Meaning: Horizontal support used for warm-up exercises.
In class: First half of class.
Tip: Light fingers—don’t hang.

Bas, en (ahn BAH)

Meaning: “Low.” Arm position cue (e.g., fifth en bas).
In class: Used to place arms.
Tip: Keep shoulders relaxed.

Battement (bat-MAHN)

Meaning: “Beating” of the leg (umbrella term).
In class: Includes petit, grand, dégagé, etc.
Tip: Initiate from turnout and hip.

Battement arrondi (bat-MAHN ah-ROHN-dee)

Meaning: “Rounded battement”—toes trace a semicircle at ~45°.
In class: Front-to-back (en dehors) or back-to-front (en dedans).
Tip: Maintain turnout throughout the arc.

Battement battu (bat-MAHN bah-TEW)

Meaning: “Beaten battement.” Working foot taps front/back at ankle.
In class: Precision and speed drill.
Tip: Keep calf quiet; action at the ankle.

Battement dégagé (bat-MAHN day-gah-ZHAY)

Meaning: “Disengaged battement”—brush a few inches off the floor.
In class: Faster than tendu.
Tip: Brush through the floor—don’t lift.

Battement développé (bat-MAHN day-vuh-law-PAY)

Meaning: From retiré, leg unfolds to open position.
In class: Adagio staple.
Tip: Show the unfold, not just the endpoint.

Battement fondu (bat-MAHN fohn-DOO)

Meaning: “Sinking down.” Supporting leg bends while working foot points at ankle.
In class: Control and coordination.
Tip: Hips stay level.

(Grand) battement jeté (GRON bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY)

Meaning: “Large battement thrown”—emphasizes the throw.
In class: Russian usage.
Tip: Throw with control; return through fifth.

Battement, grand (GRON bat-MAHN)

Meaning: “Large beating”—working leg thrown high from the hip.
In class: Power and flexibility.
Tip: No kicking from the knee.

Battement, petit (puh-TEE bat-MAHN)

Meaning: “Small beating”—small, quick ankle beats.
In class: Often on sur le cou-de-pied.
Tip: Keep thighs still; articulate the foot.

Batterie (bah-TER-ee)

Meaning: Group of beaten steps (e.g., entrechat, cabriole).
In class: Petite allegro.
Tip: Precision > speed.

Battu (bah-TEW)

Meaning: “Beaten”—any step made more difficult with beats.
In class: Jeté battu, assemblé battu.
Tip: Fully cross the thighs for clear beats.

Beats (beets)

Meaning: Added leg crossings/strikes in jumps.
In class: To increase difficulty and clarity.
Tip: Close cleanly into fifth.

Brisé (bree-ZAY)

Meaning: “Broken”—beaten jump traveling slightly.
In class: Advanced petite allegro.
Tip: Brush strongly; keep beats tight.

Brisé volé (bree-ZAY voh-LAY)

Meaning: “Flying brisé”—alternating brisé front/back in succession.
In class: Virtuosic sequences.
Tip: Maintain even rhythm.

C

Cabriole (cab-ree-OL)

Meaning: One leg beats the other in the air; lands on working leg.
In class: Advanced allegro, often for men.
Tip: Bottom leg drives height.

Double cabriole (DOO-bul cab-ree-OL)

Meaning: Two beats in the air before landing.
In class: Rare for women; virtuosic step.
Tip: Timing is everything—don’t rush the second beat.

Cabriole fermée (cab-ree-OL fehr-MAY)

Meaning: “Closed cabriole”—finishes closed in fifth.
In class: Variant ending.
Tip: Land cleanly into fifth.

Cambré (cahm-BRAY)

Meaning: “Arched”—bend from the waist back or side.
In class: Often within port de bras.
Tip: Keep chest lifted; don’t crunch lower back.

Cavalier (cav-uh-LEER)

Meaning: Male partner to the ballerina (e.g., Sugar Plum’s Cavalier).
In performance: Partnering role.
Tip: Prioritize her balance and presentation.

Cecchetti (cheh-KET-ee)

Meaning: A method/syllabus of ballet (Enrico Cecchetti).
In class: Specific terminology and exercises.
Tip: Respect method differences across schools.

Center, the (SEN-ter)

Meaning: Portion of class off the barre.
In class: Adagio, pirouettes, allegro.
Tip: Bring barre placement to center.

Chaînés (sheh-NAY)

Meaning: “Chains/links”—rapid small turns in succession.
In class: Travel in a line or circle.
Tip: Tight fifth/first; sharp spotting.

Changé (shahn-ZHAY)

Meaning: “Changed”—added to steps when feet switch places.
In class: E.g., jeté changé.
Tip: Fully cross to show the change.

Changement (shahnzh-MAHN)

Meaning: Jump from fifth, change feet in the air, land fifth.
In class: Basic petite allegro.
Tip: Land quietly through plié.

Chassé (sha-SAY)

Meaning: “To chase”—one foot chases the other.
In class: Preps and traveling steps.
Tip: Knees stretch fully on takeoff/landing.

Chassé en tournant (sha-SAY ahn toor-NAHN)

Meaning: “Chassé turning”—a chassé with a turn in the air.
In class: Traveling combination.
Tip: Spot early; keep legs together mid-air.

Choreographer (kor-ee-OG-ruh-fer)

Meaning: Artist who creates dances/ballets.
In context: Steps need not be “new” to be original work.
Tip: Credits matter—cite music/rights.

Choreography (kor-ee-OG-ruh-fee)

Meaning: The arrangement of steps/patterns/structures of a dance.
In context: Applies to all dance forms.
Tip: Distinct from improvisation.

Cinq (sank)

Meaning: “Five.”
In class: Entrechat cinq, pas de cinq.
Tip: Count beats precisely.

Class (klass)

Meaning: Daily lesson; barre + center.
In training: Students/pros take class nearly every day.
Tip: Treat class like rehearsal for performance quality.

Classical ballet (KLASS-ih-kul bal-AY)

Meaning: Traditional academic style and also a category of works.
In context: Codified technique + narrative/structure.
Tip: Style varies by school (Vaganova, Cecchetti, French, RAD).

Classical walking (KLASS-ih-kul WAH-king)

Meaning: Noble, regal walk used in ballets.
In performance: Shows character/stature.
Tip: Lifted spine, soft heel-toe.

Cloche, en (ahn KLOHSH)

Meaning: “Like a bell”—leg swings front/back through first (battement en cloche).
In class: At barre and center.
Tip: Keep pelvis quiet.

Coda (KOH-duh)

Meaning: Finale section—often the last part of a pas de deux or group dance.
In performance: Big finish, virtuosic.
Tip: Save stamina for the push.

Compound step (KOM-pound step)

Meaning: Step made of two or more steps combined.
In class: Common in choreography.
Tip: Name parts to learn the whole.

Contretemps (kon-truh-TAHN)

Meaning: “Against time”—a quick, surprising directional switch.
In class: Looks like brisé then opens the other way.
Tip: Stay lifted to change pathways fast.

Corps (kor)

Meaning: “Body”—as in corps de ballet.
In context: Often shorthand for the group.
Tip: Uniformity is the artistry.

Corps de ballet (kor duh bal-AY)

Meaning: The ensemble/group of a ballet company; also a rank.
In performance: Shapes the stage picture.
Tip: Match lines, heads, and timing.

Coryphée (kor-ee-FAY)

Meaning: “Leader”—leader within the corps; rank in large companies.
In company: Between corps and soloist.
Tip: Responsibility for spacing and musicality.

Côté, de (duh koh-TAY)

Meaning: “To the side”—directional cue.
In class: Left or right.
Tip: Keep hips level when traveling sideways.

Cou-de-pied, sur le (sir luh koo-duh-PYAY)

Meaning: “On the neck of the foot”—wrapped position at the ankle.
In class: Front/behind wrapping of the foot.
Tip: Clearly place heel/toe relative to ankle bone.

Coupé (koo-PAY)

Meaning: “Cut”—one foot cuts the other away, taking its place.
In class: A linking/transition step.
Tip: Move through the floor, not around it.

Coupé-jeté en tournant (koo-PAY zhuh-TAY ahn toor-NAHN)

Meaning: “Cut–throw turning”—split jeté with a turn between.
In class: Often en manège (in a circle).
Tip: Strong push from plié; spot each phase.

Coupé-chassé en tournant (koo-PAY sha-SAY ahn toor-NAHN)

Meaning: Turning in the air in coupé.
In class: Transitional traveling turn.
Tip: Keep knees squeezed in the air.

Croisé (krwah-ZAY)

Meaning: “Crossed”—one of the directions of the body.
In class: Croisé devant/derrrière.
Tip: Shoulders and hips stay angled consistently.

Croix, en (ahn KRWAH)

Meaning: “In the shape of a cross”—front, side, back (often then side again).
In class: Common barre pattern.
Tip: Keep quality even in all directions.

Csárdás (CHAR-dahsh)

Meaning: Hungarian national/character dance (slow lassú then fast friska).
In performance: Seen in Coppélia (Act I).
Tip: Character style—use heel leads and épaulement.

Cuisse (KWEES)

Meaning: “Thigh.” Location cue for action of a step.
In class: Tendu cuisse.
Tip: Feel work at the top of the leg.

D

Danseur (dahn-SUHR)

Meaning: Male ballet dancer; ranks include Premier Danseur.
In company: Partnering, virtuoso roles.
Tip: Train lifts and tours en l’air.

Dedans, en (ahn duh-DAHN)

Meaning: “Inward.” Direction of turns/circles toward the standing leg.
In class: Pirouette en dedans.
Tip: Don’t confuse with en dehors (outward).

Dégagé (day-gah-ZHAY)

Meaning: “Disengaged”—brush a few inches off the floor.
In class: Faster than tendu; sharp articulation.
Tip: Brush through, close with intent.

Dehors, en (ahn duh-OR)

Meaning: “Outward”—turns away from standing leg.
In class: Pirouette en dehors.
Tip: Keep hip lifted and core wrapped.

Demi (DEH-mee)

Meaning: “Half”—as in demi-plié, demi-tour.
In class: Fundamental bending and turning.
Tip: Heels stay down in demi-plié (except in 4th/5th for some schools).

Derrière (deh-RYEHR)

Meaning: “Behind/to the back.” Directional.
In class: Tendu derrière.
Tip: Keep pelvis neutral.

Dessous (duh-SOO)

Meaning: “Under”—working leg passes behind.
In class: Assemblé dessous.
Tip: Think “back leg closes under.”

Dessus (duh-SEW)

Meaning: “Over”—working leg passes in front.
In class: Assemblé dessus.
Tip: “Front leg crosses over.”

Détourné (day-toor-NAY)

Meaning: “Turned aside”—pivot turn on both feet.
In class: Used to reverse facings.
Tip: Keep a tight fifth throughout.

Demi-détourné (DEH-mee day-toor-NAY)

Meaning: “Half turned aside”—half pivot on both feet, switch feet.
In class: Direction change.
Tip: Control heels on relevé.

Deux (duh)

Meaning: “Two.”
In class: Pas de deux.
Tip: French numbers appear in step names.

Devant (duh-VAHN)

Meaning: “In front.” Directional.
In class: Tendu devant.
Tip: Hips square forward.

Développé (dayv-law-PAY)

Meaning: Leg unfolds from retiré to open position.
In class: Adagio/extension work.
Tip: Support from core; avoid hiking the hip.

Divertissement (dee-vehr-tees-MAHN)

Meaning: Short “diversion” number within a ballet.
In performance: Showcases style/technique.
Tip: Character and clarity over tricks.

E

Écarté (ay-car-TAY)

Meaning: “Separated/throw apart”—one of the body directions.
In class: Often écarté devant.
Tip: Open to the corner; lengthen side body.

Échappé (ay-shah-PAY)

Meaning: “Escaping”—feet slide from closed to open (2nd/4th) and back.
In class: Barre and center.
Tip: Both legs move evenly.

Effacé (eh-fah-SAY)

Meaning: “Shaded/open”—legs appear open (opposite of croisé).
In class: One of the épaulement directions.
Tip: Keep shoulders subtly angled.

Élévation (el-ay-vah-SYOHN)

Meaning: Height of jumps.
In class: A measure of power.
Tip: Height without harsh landings.

Emboîté (ahm-bwah-TAY)

Meaning: “Fitted together”—springing step to front attitudes, alternating legs.
In class: Turning or traveling.
Tip: Keep knees lifted to attitude position.

Entrechat (ahn-truh-SHAH)

Meaning: “Interweaving/braiding”—beaten jumps changing legs front/back.
In class: Quatre, six, huit…
Tip: Count the crossings clearly.

Entrelacé (ahn-truh-lah-SAY)

Meaning: “Interlaced”—battement front with plié, jump, half-turn to land other leg.
In class: Traveling jump.
Tip: Drive from plié; finish square.

Enveloppé (ahn-veh-law-PAY)

Meaning: “Enveloped”—leg extends then folds in to passé/cou-de-pied and closes.
In class: Adagio/partnering.
Tip: Show the wrap-in pathway.

Épaulement (ay-pohl-MAHN)

Meaning: “Shouldering”—the relationship of shoulders torso to hips/legs.
In class: Adds artistry and clarity to directions.
Tip: Small angles make a big stage difference.

Étoile (ay-TWAHL)

Meaning: “Star”—top rank at Paris Opéra Ballet (principal).
In company: Title, not a step.
Tip: Use accurately in rank contexts.

Extension (ex-TEN-shun)

Meaning: Height/control of the working leg in the air.
In class: Seen in développés, holds.
Tip: Lengthen; don’t grip.

F

Failli (fah-YEE)

Meaning: Fleeting “giving-way” transfer of weight.
In class: Often a prep into big jumps.
Tip: Smooth, gliding quality.

Face, en (ahn FAHS)

Meaning: Facing directly front to the audience.
In class: One of the body facings.
Tip: Shoulders square; eyes forward.

Fermé (fehr-MAY)

Meaning: “Closed”—describes closed-leg ending.
In class: Opposite of ouvert.
Tip: Close fully to fifth.

Finale (fee-NAH-lay)

Meaning: Ending section of a ballet/act.
In performance: High-energy close.
Tip: Finish through the music, not before.

Finger turns (FIN-ger turns)

Meaning: Partnered turns held only by the hands/fingers.
In class: Pas de deux vocabulary.
Tip: Gentle connection; avoid pulling.

Fish dive (fish)

Meaning: Partnered low hold with ballerina in retiré, diving shape.
In performance: Pas de deux highlight.
Tip: Secure grips and timing.

Flic-flac (flik-FLAK)

Meaning: “Crack of a whip”—foot flicks the floor around standing leg, then taps again to coupé.
In class: Sharp, rhythmic footwork.
Tip: Keep supporting leg tall.

Fondu (fawn-DOO)

Meaning: “Melted”—plié on one leg.
In class: Adagio control.
Tip: Both legs stretch/straighten together.

Fouetté (fweh-TAY)

Meaning: “Whipped”—sharp whipping action of leg or body.
In class: Used in many steps.
Tip: Keep the support leg anchored.

Fouetté turns (fweh-TAY turns)

Meaning: Series of whipped turns (iconic Black Swan).
In class: Advanced turning sequence.
Tip: Consistent plié and spot prevent drift.

Frappé (fra-PAY)

Meaning: “Struck”—foot strikes the floor then extends.
In class: Barre for speed/precision.
Tip: Hit the floor, then fully point.

G

Gargouillade (gar-gwee-YAHD)

Meaning: “Rumbling”—dégagé to side with small rond de jambe, then the other leg circles as you push off.
In class: Virtuosic petite allegro.
Tip: Separate the circles—clean pathways.

Glissade (glee-SAD)

Meaning: “Glide”—traveling linking step.
In class: Leads into/away from jumps.
Tip: Brush through second; land softly.

Grande (GRAHND)

Meaning: “Big/large.”
In class: Grand allegro, grand battement.
Tip: Big still means placed.

H

Haut, en (ahn OH)

Meaning: “High”—usually arm position (fifth en haut).
In class: High fifth of arms.
Tip: Keep neck long; avoid shoulder lift.

I

(No terms from the provided list.)

J

Jeté (zhuh-TAY)

Meaning: “Thrown”—jump that throws one leg and lands on the other.
In class: Many forms (petit, grand, battu, entrelacé).
Tip: Brush strongly; clean landing.

Jeté, grand (GRAHND zhuh-TAY)

Meaning: “Big throw”—large split-like traveling jump.
In class: Grand allegro.
Tip: Lift from plié; lengthen both legs in the air.

Jeté, petit (puh-TEE zhuh-TAY)

Meaning: “Small throw”—brush/throw one leg, push off the other, land on first.
In class: Petite allegro.
Tip: Tight fifth on takeoff/landing.

Jeté battu (zhuh-TAY bah-TEW)

Meaning: “Beaten jeté”—petit jeté with beats before landing.
In class: Intermediate/advanced petite allegro.
Tip: Straight legs in the beat.

Jeté entrelacé (zhuh-TAY ahn-truh-lah-SAY)

Meaning: “Interlaced throw”—throw, jump, switch body half-turn, land arabesque.
In class: Traveling jump.
Tip: Spot the landing side early.

L

Leotard (LEE-oh-tard)

Meaning: Fitted torso garment for class/performance.
In class: Standard studio attire.
Tip: Fit should allow full movement.

Line (line)

Meaning: The visual outline of the dancer’s body in space.
In class: Aim for clean, elongated lines.
Tip: Energy through fingers and toes.

M

Manèges (mah-NEZH)

Meaning: “Circular”—performing steps traveling in a circle.
In class: Often a series of turns/jumps around the stage.
Tip: Keep radius even and spot the path.

Mazurka (mah-ZUR-kah)

Meaning: Polish character dance in 3/4 time.
In performance: Seen in many classical ballets.
Tip: Use character épaulement and grounded steps.

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S

Saut de Basque (soh duh BASK)

Meaning: Traveling jump with a turn; one leg in retiré in the air.
In class: Across-the-floor.
Tip: Spot early and finish in a clean pose.

Saut de chat (soh duh SHAH)

Meaning: “Cat’s jump.”
In French school: Similar to Italian pas de chat.
In Vaganova/RAD usage: Often a grand pas de chat with développé front leg.
Tip: Know your school’s definition; show a clear front-leg action.

Sauté (soh-TAY)

Meaning: “Jump”—used alone or attached to other steps.
In class: “Sauté, sauté, sauté, close fifth!”
Tip: Land through the feet quietly.

Seconde, à la (ah lah suh-GOND)

Meaning: “To second”—to the side/second position.
In class: Tendu à la seconde.
Tip: Show true side—no creeping front/back.

Sickling (SIK-ling)

Meaning: Incorrect inward curving of the foot.
In class: Common alignment fix.
Tip: Align heel-toe with shin and knee.

Sissonne (see-SONE)

Meaning: Jump from two feet to one, legs split like scissors.
In class: Many types (ouverte/fermée, simple, flown).
Tip: Land fully over the standing leg.

Soubresaut (soo-bruh-SOH)

Meaning: Quick jump from two feet to two feet in fifth, traveling slightly forward.
In class: Petite allegro.
Tip: Keep legs glued in the air.

Sous-sus / Sus-sous (soo-SEW / soo-SOO)

Meaning: “Over-under”—spring to tight fifth on relevé.
In class: Placement and balance.
Tip: Squeeze inner thighs; show a single ankle line.

Soutenu (soo-tuh-NEW)

Meaning: “Sustained”—turn in tight fifth/sous-sus, end with the opposite foot in front.
In class: Direction changes and turns.
Tip: Knees/ankles pressed together.

Spotting (SPOT-ing)

Meaning: Head/eye action to orient during turns.
In class: Essential for chaînés, piqués, fouettés.
Tip: Whip the head; keep body calm.

Sur les pointes (sir lay PWAHNT)

Meaning: “On the points”—on pointe shoes.
In class: Advanced pointe work.
Tip: Roll through demi-pointe to get there safely.

Supporting leg (sup-POR-ting LEG)

Meaning: The leg bearing weight while the other works.
In class: Stabilizer in most poses.
Tip: Lift the arch/inner thigh to support.

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T

Tendu (tahn-DEW)

Meaning: “Stretched”—working foot brushes to point, either à terre or slightly off.
In class: Barre fundamental; front/side/back.
Tip: Toes last off, first down.

Temps levé (tohn luh-VAY)

Meaning: Hop on one foot with the other raised in any position.
In class (Cecchetti): Fully arched instep; spring from demi-plié and foot’s pointing.
Tip: Land on the same foot with control.

Temps levé sauté (tohn luh-VAY soh-TAY)

Meaning: Jump from two feet (or from one like temps levé) landing the same way; Russian usage.
In class: From all positions.
Tip: Maintain original position in the air.

Temps lié (tohn lyay)

Meaning: Transfer of weight through positions without sliding.
In class: Teaches coordination and épaulement.
Tip: Press through the floor—no collapse.

Tombé (tohm-BAY)

Meaning: “Falling”—a controlled fall into a lunge/position.
In class: Leads into pas de bourrée or other traveling steps.
Tip: Control the descent; don’t drop.

Tours en l’air (toor ahn LEHR)

Meaning: “Turn in the air”—typically male step; single=360°, double=720°.
In class: Virtuosic grand allegro.
Tip: Tight fifth in the air; spot front.

Triple runs (TRIP-ul RUNZ)

Meaning: One big step followed by two small steps, often in a circle.
In class: Traveling sequence.
Tip: Keep the rhythm big–little–little.

Turnout (TUR-nowt)

Meaning: External rotation from the hips; knees/feet face outward.
In class: Core ballet principle.
Tip: Rotate from the hips, not the ankles—avoid rolling in.

Tutu (TOO-too)

Meaning: Classic multi-layered tulle skirt.
In performance: Romantic (long) or classical (short/plate).
Tip: Handle carefully—store flat.

W

Waltz (wawlts)

Meaning: Step sequence to 3/4 music (e.g., pas de valse en tournant).
In class: Traveling phrases.
Tip: Feel rise-fall-rise across “1–2–3.”

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Quick FAQ (add to page bottom for SEO)

• What are the 5 basic positions of the feet? First, second, third, fourth, fifth.
• What does plié mean? To bend the knees.
• What’s the difference between adagio and allégro? Adagio is slow/control; allégro is brisk/jumps.
• Is “ballerina” any female dancer? Traditionally, it refers to a principal-rank female dancer.

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