Glissade – A sliding step, often used as a preparation into jumps
From the French term meaning “to slide” or “to glide,” glissade is a step where the hips are elevated into a jump or onto pointe, and is often used to link other steps. Always starting and ending in a demi plié, the step gets its name from the gliding motion of the starting leg as it brushes out, and the closing leg as it comes in.
Glisser – Meaning “to slide” or “to glide,” this term describes the sliding of the feet along the floor
*One of The Seven Movements of Dance.
Grand Jeté en avant – A big, travelling jump
Grand jeté en avant, commonly referred to as just grand jeté, is a large jump traveling forward, preceded by a preparatory step. The working leg is thrown forward while the back leg is thrust into an arabesque or attitude position in the air. The dancer sails through the air and lands in the same clean position.
Grand Plié – A full folding motion of the legs
Grand plié goes through the demi-plié, with the legs folding fully into a full plié. The knees bend for a major change in levels, with the heels coming off the floor after the demi-plié in every position except second position.