Ballet Terminology (HNC)

Question 1

PLIÉ

Answer 1

Bending of the knees. There are two main types of pliés, demi and grand. Demi is a small bend of the knees while heels are on the floor which creates a diamond shape. Grand is a large bend of the knees during which the heels are raised of the ground in a motion that mimics a ‘frog stretch”

Question 2

TENDU

Answer 2

A tendu is one of the fundamental movements in ballet where the working leg is extended along the floor until only the tip of the toe remains touching the floor.

Question 3

RON DE JAMBE

Answer 3

Rond de Jambe means “round/circular movement of the leg”. When a dancer rests on one leg (supporting leg) and makes circular movement with the working leg. This can be a terre, meaning on the ground, or en l’air, meaning in the air.

Question 4

FRAPPÉ

Answer 4

To strike / beat (like lighting a match on the floor)

Question 5

GRAND BATTEMENT

Answer 5

“large beating” or “big kick”. In dance, it is when one leg stays on the ground as the supporting leg while the other leg brushes through tendu and degage and sent up to a 90-degree angle or higher.

Question 6

PORT DE BRAS

Answer 6

Carriage of the arms. It describes how dancers move their arms from one ballet position to another.