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Definitions from the Web

Common Ballet Terms

Ballet, a classical dance form, has its own unique terminology that is essential for dancers to understand and perform the movements correctly. Here are some of the most common ballet terms:

1. Plie

Part of speech: Noun and verb

Sense: A bending of the knees

Usage:

• The dancers started their routine with a deep plie.
• Remember to plie before executing a grand jeté.

Related products: Ballet plie books and DVDs

2. Pirouette

Part of speech: Noun and verb

Sense: A spinning turn on one leg

Usage:

• The ballerina performed a flawless pirouette.
• Practice your pirouettes to improve your balance and technique.

Related products: Ballet pirouette instructional videos

3. Grand jeté

Part of speech: Noun

Sense: A large leap in which the dancer extends one leg forward and the other leg backward, while in the air

Usage:

• The principal dancer amazed the audience with a breathtaking grand jeté.
• Work on your leg strength to achieve higher grand jetés.

Related products: Ballet grand jeté photography books

4. Plié

Part of speech: Noun and verb

Sense: A smooth and graceful bending movement of the body at the waist

Usage:

• The dancers executed a beautiful plié during the adagio sequence.
• Incorporate pliés into your warm-up routine to increase flexibility.

Related products: Ballet plié tutus for kids

5. Pointe

Part of speech: Noun and verb

Sense: The tip of the ballet shoe, or dancing on the tips of the toes

Usage:

• The ballerina balanced beautifully on pointe.
• Training for pointe work requires strong foot and ankle muscles.

Related products: Ballet pointe shoes