7 Movements of Dance

Terms & Definitions

Demi Plie

A movement done in any of the five positions in which the dancer bends the knees halfway, keeping the heels securely on the ground

Grand Plie

A full plie; a deep bend, down to where the thighs are almost horizontal. In all positions except second, the heels release from the floor

Etendre

To stretch; to gather energy and send it down and out, spreading through all joints until completely lengthened

Tendu

A move in which the leg and foot stretch to point in a particular direction, but the foot does not leave the floor

Degage

To disengage. A quick movement between tendu and grande battement in which the foot slightly leaves the floor 

Releve

A position in which the dancer rises from any position to balance on one or both feet on at least a demi-pointe, or possibly a fill-pointe

Glisse

The movement in which the weight is transferred from one foot, which is slid outward from the body and briefly extended off the ground, to the other, which is then brought to meet it

Saute

To jump; when this term is added to the name of a step, the movement is performed while jumping






Elancer
A quick, darting movement; to move in a different direction while in the air

Tourner
To turn, such as chaine or pirouette, and can be performed in a fixed position, across the floor or in the air







Devant
Facing or moving to the front

A La Second

A movement with feet to the side or in second position

Derriere
At or to the back side; to point or face behind