If you are enrolled in our Absolute Beginner Ballet series—welcome! We are so glad you are here. Ballet is an artistic dance form built on centuries of tradition and history, and we are beyond excited to share this technique with you.

As you encounter your first class, one of the most important things you’ll learn is its wide range of terminology. Ballet vocabulary originates from the French language, and each of the words serve as clear instruction for movement. Understanding them from the moment you step into the studio will allow you to build a strong dance foundation, helping you gain confidence as you move through this workshop series.

Below are several of the most common terms you might hear:

• Plié – “to bend,” the act of bending the knees
• Tendu – “to stretch,” one leg extends out from the body in a straight, stretched position (foot and ankle are also fully extended)
• Dégagé – “to disengage,” one leg extends away from the body in a straight, stretched position, with the foot and ankle fully extended, about 2-3” off the ground
• Relevé – “raised” or “to rise,” rising up onto the balls of the feet (“demi pointe”) with a plié before to give power
• Rond de Jambe – “circle of the leg,” one leg traces a half circle on the floor (a terre) or in the air (en l’air)
• Port de Bras – “movement of the arms,” general term for arm positions and movements
• Fondu – “to melt,” a fluid movement where both legs (or just the standing leg) bend, and then extend together, the working leg extending
• Frappé – “to strike,” begins with a flexed foot. A quick brushing of the ball of the foot that results in a brisk, sharp extension of the leg away from the body about 2-3” off the ground.
• Retire – “withdrawn,” a position where one foot is off the ground – the pinky toe of the foot in the air is touching the standing knee (just below the kneecap on the inside front of the leg). The heel of the foot that is up is pressing away from the leg.
• Grande Battement – “large battement” (think of “big toss of the leg”). A large, quick extension of the leg that begins on the ground then is tossed up with energy and returns to the starting position with control.
• Grande Jeté – “air before the descent,” a large leap jump where one aims to get a split in the air with the legs.

To help you feel even more prepared, we’ve created a full glossary of ballet terms you can reference as you continue your ballet journey. Learn more by downloading the guide below!