Ballet Terms: A Beginner’s Guide to the Language of Dance

From the precise footwork of a *plié* to the graceful extension of a *de la seconde*, ballet is a world defined by a rich, structured vocabulary—one that distinguishes its artistry, ensures clarity in choreography, and preserves a centuries-old tradition. For new learners, mastering ballet terminology is not just about memorizing words; it’s about articulating the physics and emotion behind every movement. This guide unpacks the essential ballet terms every aspiring dancer must understand, revealing how these foundations shape technique, expression, and storytelling on stage.

Ballet is more than a dance style—it is a technical language built on centuries of refinement. Each term carries anatomical precision and expressive intent, enabling dancers, choreographers, and teachers to communicate movement with exactness. As dance historian and choreographer George Balanchine once noted, “Ballet is the vocabulary of the human form in motion,” underscoring how every gesture, from a controlled *relevé* to a sweeping *adagio*, speaks volumes beyond mere steps.

The Foundational Language: Core Ballet Terms Explained

At the heart of ballet vocabulary lie core movements and postures that form the building blocks of every performance.

Understanding these terms provides a framework for learning, practicing, and analyzing choreography.

The Plié: A Dance of Control and Flexibility

A *plié* is the fundamental bending of the knees, essential for absorbing impact and generating power. Executed with a rounded spine and engaged core, the movement occurs from the knees outward, with the depth of the bend depending on style—whether a shallow *pourpoint* at the beginning of a pirouette or a deep *grandi plié* in a classical *attitude*.

“The plié is the cornerstone of ballet,” explains dance instructor Natalia Petrova. “It’s where control meets elasticity—a microcosm of the dancer’s strength and sensitivity.” An *attitude* involves lifting one leg into a controlled position, most commonly seen in *attitude tendue* (a slow, mindful leg extension) or *attitude battue* (a dynamic leg sweeps approach). Judged not only for height and line but for alignment—knee tracking over the second toe and spine neutral—this posture showcases elegance and discipline.

The *froissé attitude*, folded knee position, further demonstrates balance, demanding core stability and awareness. "Sure, the legs carry the story, but the arms breathe life into it," says choreographer and educator Amira Chen. The *port de bras*—literally “device of the arms”—refers to the coordinated, expressive motion of the arms and torso that precedes, supports, or completes a movement.

From delicate *grands bras* to commanding *espressivo* gestures, this term encapsulates the expressive potential of upper body articulation. Dancers use flowing transitions in the *port de bras* to guide the eye, enhance balance, and convey emotion—whether serene or fiery. Each corner of the stage hosts signature poses central to ballet’s classical vocabulary.

These include: - **First position**: Heels turnedout, toes外开, forming a straight line—foundation for jumps and balances. - **Second position**: Feet wider than shoulder-width apart, heels together—grounded strength in *pliés* and *allègés*. - **Plié en töre**: A deep bend with precision–aligned knees—vital for controlled landings.

- **Relevé**: Rising onto the toes, demanding extreme calf, foot, and core engagement. Mastery of these corners ensures technical uniformity and historical authenticity across performances. Turning the body gracefully on one foot defines the pirouette—defined by a controlled spinnability with embellished variations like *fouché* or *grand Jeté*.

The *foetté*—a term indicating "bladed" foot—for emphasis in terms like *fouetté* (a fast, pivoted turn) and *double fouetté* (two rapid turns), signals explosive skill. According to former principal dancer Vincent Clément, “A pirouette is a moment suspended—balance, rotation, and extension must converge like a ballet simphony.” Jetés—leaps off one leg with extension into the air—demonstrate height, line, and control. A *grand jeté* doubles pirouette mid-leap, combining power and fluidity.

Dancers train to expand the travel, soften the landing, and maintain alignment: every axis, arm placement, and breath must align to create this celebrated gesture of transcendence. “Adagio” denotes slow, deliberate movement—often a solo showcasing grace, strength, and emotional nuance. Unlike fast sequences, an adagio demands precision: from the hesitant brush of a *chassé* to the sustained extension of a *penché*, each moment is weighed with intention.

This term reflects ballet’s dual nature—precisely technical yet deeply expressive. Beyond movement verbs, ballet vocabulary encompasses foundational tools: - *Turnout*—the outward rotation of the legs from the hip—critical for alignment and injury prevention. - *Pointe work*—dancing on the tips of the toes using *pointe shoes*—a hallmark of classical technique and beauty.

- *En pointe*—literally “on the point”—refers to balance and control achieved at the terminal joint of the foot. While ballet’s lexicon spans hundreds of terms, beginners benefit from mastering: - Combat**: The plié in first or second position, foundational and dynamic. - **Grand battement**: A large, sweeping leg extension.

- **Plié**: The fundamental knee bend, central to control and rebound. - **verlag**: To lean forward, often seen in port de bras. - **Contraction and Extension**: Core strengthening and full-limb extension, essential for power.

Each term functions not merely as a label, but as a portal into ballet’s technical soul. Dancers learn that a properly articulated *penché* is not just a leg lift—it’s a statement of discipline, balance, and artistry. For educators, clear terminology ensures consistent progression; for performers, precise vocabulary deepens expressive intent and audience connection.

In ballet, to speak the language is to master the dance itself.

$Throughout its evolution, ballet’s terminology has remained a bridge—linking past mastery to present creation, and physical execution to emotional truth. For the beginner, embracing these terms is not a hurdle but a gateway to fluency, enabling every turn, lift, and leap to resonate with authenticity. As every great dancer knows, mastery begins not with movement alone, but with the precise words that define it.