Dedans, en – An inward motion.
Meaning “inside,” the term is used to indicate that a step is done from the back towards the front, inwards, towards the standing leg, as opposed to away from the standing leg.Dehors, en – An outward motion
Meaning “outside,” the term is used to indicate that a step is done from the front towards the back, outwards, away from the standing leg, as opposed to towards the standing leg.Demi-Détourné – A half turn on both feet
From the French Détourner (to turn away), a half turn in fifth position on both feet en pointe or demi-pointe, towards the back in the back foot. The heels lower to the ground at the end of the rotation.Demi-Pointe – Half pointe
Meaning “half pointe,” but in practice, in ballet today, the dancer is as high up on the balls of the feet and underside of their toes as is possible without actually rising onto the tips of their toes.
Derrière – At, or to the back
Meaning behind, this word is used to denote that a movement or a position is to the back, or behind the body.
Dessous – Underneath
French School from front to back with the working leg, meaning underneath or underside. Dessous is used when the working leg travels from in front of, to behind the supporting leg.Détourné – A full turn on both feet
From the French Détourner (to turn away), a full turn in fifth position on both feet en pointe or demi-pointe towards the back foot. The movement is a fast flip around, without a sustained pause in the relevé beforehand.
Devant – In front
The term can refer to a movement or a position which takes place to the front, or in front of the body.