For more than three decades, the Linda Jamieson School of Dance has been providing high-quality dance education to students throughout Ottawa, Canada. As one of the most respected training institutions in the region, the Linda Jamieson School of Dance teaches everything from jazz and tap to contemporary and ballet.
2. Introduction
For more than three decades, the Linda Jamieson School of Dance has
been providing high-quality dance education to students throughout
Ottawa, Canada. As one of the most respected training institutions in
the region, the Linda Jamieson School of Dance teaches everything
from jazz and tap to contemporary and ballet.
As with many forms of dance, ballet is associated with numerous words
and phrases that reference different movements. Here are just a few of
the more basic terms that every beginner should learn:
1. Adagio - This term has two meanings in ballet. First, it refers to a
series of fluid exercises that improve balance, strength, and lines.
These movements are performed slowly and gracefully. The second
meaning refers to an opening sequence of a two-person performance
where one partner lifts the other.
3. Basic Ballet Terms
2. Arabesque - One of ballet’s most popular moves, an arabesque is a
position that is supported on a single leg. The support leg can be either
straight or slightly bent, which is known as demi-plié. Meanwhile, the
other leg is extended behind the support leg at a right angle and the
arms are held in various positions with the fingertips facing outward.
3. En pointe - This is when dancers stand on the tips of their toes. This
position is normally used by experienced ballet dancers, and it requires
the use of pointe shoes to complete. Beginning students work their way
up to en pointe by practicing moves and positions on the balls of their
feet, also called demi-pointe.
4. Sauté - The term sauté is normally used in combination with other
ballet terms. On its own, the term means to jump. When it is used with
other terms, such as arabesque, it signifies that a jump should be in a
specific position.