Adagio/Adage – A ballet exercise or sequence performed slowly
From the Italian word meaning a slow tempo, many people also use the term Adage to describe a ballet exercise or combination done slowly and with a focus on control, line, balance, and musicality.
Air, en l’ – A movement that takes place in the air
Any movement that occurs in the air.
Allégro – A lively ballet exercise or sequence performed quickly
Derived from the Italian word meaning cheerful, spirited, and lively. This is a ballet exercise or sequence performed at a fast tempo, usually with a spring or jump. Often done towards the end of the ballet class when dancers are warm.
Allongé – A lengthening through the body
A lengthening movement, extending through the body and into the arms and legs.
Aplomb
Moving with confidence and poise
Arabesque
A basic ballet pose, standing on one leg with the other leg extended backwards.
Arrière, en – Backward
Indicating the direction of a step that is backward moving.
Arrondi – Curved or rounded
A term used to describe curved or rounded arm or leg movements.
Assemblé
A jump or action during which the legs or feet are brought together.
From the French, meaning assembled or joined together, a jump or action where the leg brushes out and the dancer lands on two feet with the legs or feet gathering together in the air.
Attitude
A pose on one leg where the extended leg is bent.
Attitude is credited to Carlo Blasis, who drew inspiration from the statue of Mercury by Giovanni da Bologna. See Statue of Mercury below. Attitude comes from the French term, meaning pose and it is a position on one leg with the other lifted, turned out, and the knee bent.
Avant, en- Forward
Indicating the direction of a step that is moving forward