List of Definitions
- Arabesque
- A set pose, or executed while turning. The dancer stands on one leg (the supporting leg) with the other leg fully extended behind the body.
- Fifth Position
- A standing position with the feet together and turned out (toes pointing to the side), heel to toe, toe to heel.
- Fourth Position
- A standing position of the feet which is the same as fifth position except that there is a space (approximately 6-10inches) between the two turned out feet so that one is in front of the other.
- Glissade
- A gliding motion from fifth position to an open stretched position and then back to a fifth position.
- Grande Jete
- A large jump in which the weight of the body is thrown from one foot to the other.
- Pirouette
- A complete turn of the body on one foot usually in retire position.
- Plie
- Lowering the body by bending the knees.
- Retire
- A standing position in which one foot is at the knee of the supporting leg. (Also commonly called passe)
- Spottting
- Keeping the head fixed in direction while the remainder of the body turns, then rotating the head quickly around to face the original direction again.
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