Ballet has a language of its own. Walk into a ballet class and you may hear instructions involving a plié, tendu, relevé, arabesque, pirouette or port de bras before anyone explains what those words actually mean.
On this page
- About This Guide
- Who Is This Guide For?
- Key Takeaways
- Why Are So Many Ballet Words French?
- Basic Ballet Words Every Beginner Should Know
- Plié
- Tendu
- Relevé
- Ballet Positions of the Feet
- Arabesque
- Attitude
- Passé and Retiré
- Port de Bras
- Épaulement
- Ballet Movement Words
- Ballet Jump Words
- Ballet Turn Words
- Ballet Direction Words
Much of ballet vocabulary comes from French, reflecting the important role France played in the development and codification of classical ballet. That is why dancers around the world still use French terms even when the class itself is taught in English.
Some ballet words describe movements, such as jeté and assemblé. Others refer to positions, directions, performers, costumes, parts of a class or the structure of a ballet company.
This guide explains the most useful ballet words and ballet terminology, from basic vocabulary for beginners to words you are likely to encounter when watching, studying or writing about ballet.
About This Guide
This guide brings together words associated with ballet technique, movements, positions, jumps, turns, dancers, performances, costumes, music and ballet classes.
It is designed to be more useful than a simple alphabetical list. The terms are grouped according to how they are actually encountered in ballet, making it easier to understand the relationships between them.
Many ballet terms have slightly different technical interpretations depending on the school or training tradition being used. Russian, French, Italian, Danish and English ballet methods do not always use every term in precisely the same way.
For beginners, however, the definitions below provide a practical introduction to the vocabulary most commonly encountered.
Who Is This Guide For?
This ballet vocabulary guide is useful for beginner ballet students, parents of young dancers, teachers, writers, dance enthusiasts, students researching ballet and anyone trying to understand the terminology used in a ballet class or performance.
It can also be useful for creative writing, school projects or vocabulary exercises where you need words associated with dance and ballet.
If you are taking your first ballet class, start with the sections on plié, tendu, relevé, turnout, the five positions and barre. Those terms form part of the foundation for much of the vocabulary that follows.
Key Takeaways
Most classical ballet terminology is traditionally expressed in French, which is why words such as plié, tendu, relevé, jeté and pirouette are used internationally.
Some of the most important beginner ballet words are barre, plié, tendu, relevé, turnout, arabesque, port de bras, pirouette and sauté.
Ballet vocabulary describes much more than steps. It also includes directions, body positions, performers, company ranks, costumes, shoes, choreography and musical qualities.
A term’s exact execution can vary slightly between ballet schools and methods, so vocabulary provides a common language without making every dancer’s technique identical.
Why Are So Many Ballet Words French?
Ballet developed over several centuries through European courts and theatrical traditions, but France became particularly important in formalising the art.
As ballet technique became increasingly codified, French terminology became embedded in its teaching.
That legacy survives today.
A dancer studying ballet in Singapore, Australia, Japan, Britain or the United States may all hear terms such as:
plié
tendu
relevé
arabesque
pirouette
pas de deux
The language effectively functions as an international vocabulary for classical ballet.
Basic Ballet Words Every Beginner Should Know
A small number of words appear constantly in beginner ballet classes.
Ballet
Ballet is a theatrical dance form built around a codified system of movement and technique.
The word can refer both to the dance form itself and to an individual work:
She studies ballet.
or:
We watched a ballet last night.
Barre
The barre is the horizontal support dancers hold during part of a ballet class.
A traditional class commonly begins with barre exercises before progressing to work in the centre.
The barre allows dancers to practise fundamental movements while using one hand for support.
Centre
Centre work refers to exercises performed away from the barre.
Dancers may practise adagio, turns, jumps and combinations in the centre of the studio.
Turnout
Turnout is the outward rotation of the legs from the hip joints.
It is one of the defining principles of classical ballet technique.
Turnout should come from the hips rather than simply forcing the feet to point outward.
Alignment
Alignment refers to the positioning of different parts of the body in relation to one another.
Good alignment supports balance, efficiency and control.
Posture
Posture describes how the dancer holds and organises the body.
In ballet, posture is closely connected with alignment, placement and control.
Plié
Plié means bent or bending.
In ballet, it refers to bending the knees while maintaining the required placement and turnout.
Two important forms are:
demi-plié, a smaller or half bend;
and
grand plié, a deeper bend.
Pliés are fundamental because they appear in the preparation and landing of many jumps, transitions and other movements.
Tendu
Tendu comes from a French word meaning stretched.
In a battement tendu, the working foot travels along the floor until the leg and foot are fully extended, then returns to its starting position.
The movement develops control through the feet and legs and appears constantly in beginner training.
Relevé
Relevé means raised.
A dancer rises onto demi-pointe, on the balls of the feet, or onto pointe when using appropriate pointe technique and footwear.
The term is closely associated with balance, strength and control.
Ballet Positions of the Feet
Classical ballet uses five commonly taught fundamental positions of the feet.
First Position
The heels are together, with the legs turned outward from the hips.
Second Position
The feet are turned out and separated rather than touching.
Third Position
One foot is positioned partly in front of the other.
Third position is less prominent in some advanced classical training but is often introduced to beginners.
Fourth Position
One foot is placed in front of the other with space between them.
Fifth Position
The feet are turned out and crossed closely, with the heel of one foot positioned near the toes of the other.
Exact placement and expectations vary according to ballet method and the individual dancer’s anatomy.
Arabesque
An arabesque is a position in which the dancer balances on one leg while the other leg extends behind the body.
The working leg is generally straight.
Different schools recognise different arabesque positions based on the organisation of the body and arms.
Arabesque is one of ballet’s most recognisable silhouettes.
Attitude
An attitude is a position in which one leg supports the body while the other is raised with the knee bent.
An attitude may be performed to the front or back depending on the choreography.
It can look superficially similar to an arabesque, but the raised leg in an arabesque is extended rather than bent.
Passé and Retiré
These terms are closely related and are sometimes used differently between schools.
Passé literally suggests a passing action.
Retiré refers to a position in which the working foot is drawn up toward the supporting knee.
In everyday ballet classes, you may hear passé used for the familiar position with the pointed foot at the knee, even though some training systems distinguish carefully between the movement and the position.
This is a good example of why ballet terminology can vary slightly between methods.
Port de Bras
Port de bras refers to the carriage or movement of the arms.
Good port de bras is not simply about putting the arms into prescribed positions. It also involves coordination through the shoulders, upper back, head and torso.
The arms help create the line and expressive quality that make ballet movement recognisable.
Épaulement
Épaulement refers broadly to the use or positioning of the shoulders and upper body.
It helps prevent classical ballet from appearing completely square or static.
The head, shoulders and torso can be subtly coordinated to create more expressive lines.
Ballet Movement Words
Once the basic positions are familiar, ballet vocabulary becomes much more extensive.
Battement
Battement broadly refers to a beating or movement of the leg.
It appears inside several more specific terms.
Battement Tendu
A controlled stretching of the leg and pointed foot along the floor.
Grand Battement
A large battement in which the working leg is raised strongly into the air while maintaining control and placement.
Battement Frappé
Frappé means struck.
The exercise involves a quick extension of the working leg and helps develop speed and precision.
Fondu
Fondu means melted.
In ballet, the term commonly describes a smooth bending action of the supporting leg coordinated with the working leg.
Développé
Développé means developed or developing.
The working leg is drawn upward and then gradually extended to an open position.
A développé should appear controlled rather than simply resembling a kick.
Rond de Jambe
Rond de jambe means round of the leg.
The working leg describes a circular pathway.
A rond de jambe à terre traces the movement with the foot on or close to the floor, while other forms may be performed with the leg in the air.
Ballet Jump Words
Ballet uses the French word sauté to indicate jumping, but there are many distinct jumping steps.
Sauté
Sauté means jumped or jumping.
A movement described as sauté is performed with a jump.
Jeté
Jeté comes from a word meaning thrown.
It describes a family of jumping movements in which the dancer appears to throw or project the leg.
Grand Jeté
A grand jeté is a large travelling jump from one foot to the other.
It is often associated with the dramatic split-like position seen in photographs of ballet dancers in mid-air.
Assemblé
Assemblé means assembled.
The dancer takes off, brings the legs together in the air and lands with the feet assembled.
Sissonne
A sissonne generally begins with a takeoff from two feet and lands on one foot, although there are several variations.
Entrechat
An entrechat is a jumping step in which the dancer beats or crosses the legs rapidly in the air.
Different forms are identified according to the number and pattern of actions.
Pas de Chat
Pas de chat means step of the cat.
It is a jumping step whose appearance helps explain the feline name.
Temps Levé
A temps levé is a hop, usually taking off and landing on the same supporting leg.
Ballet Turn Words
Turns are another major group of ballet vocabulary.
Pirouette
A pirouette is a turn of the body performed on one supporting leg.
Pirouettes can be performed in different positions and directions.
Chaînés
Chaînés are a sequence of rapid linked turns travelling across the floor.
The term reflects the idea of turns being connected like a chain.
Piqué Turn
A piqué involves stepping directly onto a straight supporting leg, generally on demi-pointe or pointe.
A piqué turn combines that stepping action with rotation.
Fouetté
Fouetté means whipped.
The term describes several movements involving a whipping action of the working leg.
Fouetté turns are particularly famous in classical ballet because sequences of them can be technically demanding and visually dramatic.
Tour en l’Air
Tour en l’air means turn in the air.
The dancer jumps vertically while turning before landing.
Ballet Direction Words
Many ballet instructions tell the dancer not just what movement to perform, but where and how to perform it.
En Avant
En avant means forward.
En Arrière
En arrière means backward.
En Dedans
En dedans means inward.
When applied to turns or circular movements, it indicates a direction toward the supporting leg according to the context.
En Dehors
En dehors means outward.
It is the opposite directional concept to en dedans.
Devant
Devant means to the front.
Derrière
Derrière means behind or to the back.
À la Seconde
À la seconde refers to a position or movement to the side, associated with second position.
En Croix
En croix means in the shape of a cross.
An exercise performed en croix is typically repeated to the front, side, back and side.
À Terre
À terre means on the ground.
En l’Air
En l’air means in the air.
These direction words often combine with other ballet terms, which is why learning them can unlock the meaning of many longer instructions.
Ballet Tempo and Movement-Quality Words
Some ballet terminology describes the quality or speed of movement rather than a single step.
Adagio
Adagio refers to slow, controlled movement.
In class, adagio exercises often emphasise:
balance
extension
control
line
musicality
Allegro
Allegro describes faster, lively movement and is strongly associated with jumping combinations.
Petit Allegro
Petit allegro consists largely of smaller, quicker jumps.
Grand Allegro
Grand allegro involves larger, more expansive travelling jumps and movements.
Allongé
Allongé means extended or lengthened.
The term may be used when discussing elongated lines or positions.
Aplomb
Aplomb refers to stability, assurance and controlled balance.
Ballet Class Words
A ballet class follows a recognisable structure, and that structure has its own vocabulary.
Barre Work
Exercises performed with support from the barre.
A typical barre may include pliés, tendus, dégagés, ronds de jambe, fondus, frappés and grand battements.
Centre Work
Exercises performed away from the barre.
Students must maintain the same placement and technique without holding onto support.
Combination
A combination is a sequence of steps given by the teacher.
Enchaînement
An enchaînement is a linked sequence of ballet steps.
Across the Floor
A combination that travels across the studio rather than remaining largely in one place.
Warm-Up
Preparation of the body for more demanding movement.
In formal classical training, the barre itself forms an important part of the progressive preparation for centre work.
Révérence
A révérence is a formal bow, curtsey or sequence of acknowledgement traditionally performed at the end of class or a performance.
It can express thanks to the teacher, pianist, audience or fellow dancers depending on the setting.
Ballet Dancer Words
Ballet companies also have their own vocabulary.
Ballet Dancer
A ballet dancer is someone trained in or performing ballet.
It is a useful general term regardless of gender or professional rank.
Ballerina
Ballerina commonly refers to a female ballet dancer, although historically and professionally the term can carry a more distinguished connotation than simply “any woman who dances ballet.”
For general writing, female ballet dancer or simply ballet dancer is often the clearest term when rank is not relevant.
Danseur
Danseur is a traditional French-derived term for a male ballet dancer, although male ballet dancer or simply dancer is more common in everyday English.
Corps de Ballet
The corps de ballet is the ensemble of dancers who perform group sections and supporting roles in a classical ballet company.
The corps is not merely background decoration. Large classical works often depend on extraordinary precision and unity among these dancers.
Soloist
A soloist is a dancer who performs featured or solo roles and, in many company structures, holds a rank above the corps de ballet and below principal dancer.
Company ranking systems vary.
Principal Dancer
A principal dancer is typically one of the highest-ranking performers in a professional ballet company.
Principals frequently perform leading roles.
Prima Ballerina
Prima ballerina traditionally means a leading female dancer within a company.
It should not simply be used as a decorative synonym for any ballet dancer.
Choreographer
A choreographer creates and arranges movement for a dance work.
Ballet Master or Ballet Mistress
A ballet master or ballet mistress traditionally helps rehearse dancers, maintain repertoire and support the artistic preparation of a company.
Some organisations now use gender-neutral titles such as ballet master, rehearsal director or related role names.
Ballet Performance Words
Choreography
Choreography is the arrangement and creation of dance movement.
It can refer to the overall movement design of a ballet or a particular section.
Repertoire
A company’s repertoire or repertory is the collection of ballets and works it performs or maintains.
Variation
In classical ballet, a variation is often a solo dance forming part of a larger work or pas de deux.
Pas
Pas means step or dance and appears in many ballet expressions.
Pas de Deux
Pas de deux means dance for two.
In classical ballet, an extended pas de deux may include an entrance, partnered adagio, individual variations and a concluding coda, although structures vary by ballet. The basic meaning is simply a dance for two.
Pas de Trois
A dance for three performers.
Solo
A dance performed by one dancer.
Ensemble
A group of performers dancing together.
Divertissement
A divertissement is a sequence or collection of dances that may provide spectacle or variety and may have limited connection to the central narrative.
Coda
A coda is a concluding section.
In classical ballet it often brings a variation or pas de deux to an energetic finish.
Ballet Story and Production Words
Libretto
The libretto provides the written scenario or story framework for a narrative ballet or other stage work.
Narrative Ballet
A ballet that tells a recognisable story.
Examples of the form include fairy-tale, romantic and dramatic ballets.
Abstract Ballet
An abstract ballet focuses on movement, music, form or visual relationships rather than telling a conventional story.
Classical Ballet
Classical ballet broadly refers to ballet grounded in formal codified technique and traditions.
Romantic Ballet
Romantic ballet refers particularly to the 19th-century period associated with themes of supernatural beings, emotion, fantasy and an increasing prominence of pointe work.
Contemporary Ballet
Contemporary ballet combines a foundation in ballet technique with movement, choreographic ideas or aesthetics influenced by more contemporary dance practices.
Ballet Clothing and Shoe Words
Ballet Shoes
Soft, lightweight shoes used for ballet training and performance.
They may be made from materials such as canvas, leather or satin.
Pointe Shoes
Pointe shoes are specially constructed shoes that allow suitably trained dancers to perform on the tips of the toes.
The reinforced front section is known as the box, while the sole contains a supportive shank.
Pointe work requires substantial training and should not simply be attempted because someone owns pointe shoes.
Demi-Pointe
Demi-pointe means rising onto the balls of the feet rather than fully onto the tips of the toes.
Tutu
A tutu is a ballet costume skirt.
There are different styles.
A classical tutu is typically shorter and projects outward from the body.
A Romantic tutu is longer, often falling around the calf or lower leg.
Leotard
A close-fitting garment covering the torso and commonly worn in ballet classes.
Tights
Close-fitting legwear used as part of ballet training or costume.
Warm-Ups
Clothing worn before or during parts of class to help dancers remain warm.
Pointe Shoe Vocabulary
Pointe shoes have a surprisingly specialised vocabulary.
Box
The reinforced front section that surrounds and supports the toes.
Shank
The supportive structure running through part of the sole of a pointe shoe.
Platform
The flattened front surface on which the dancer balances while en pointe.
Vamp
The front upper section of the shoe covering the toes.
Ribbons
Ribbons help secure the shoe around the ankle.
Elastics
Elastic straps provide additional security and fit.
Breaking In
The process by which a dancer adapts a new pair of pointe shoes to their feet and movement requirements.
The phrase does not mean deliberately destroying the structural support of the shoe.
Music Words Used in Ballet
Ballet and music are inseparable, so dancers encounter musical vocabulary too.
Tempo
The speed of the music.
Rhythm
The organisation of beats and timing within music.
Musicality
Musicality describes a dancer’s ability to interpret, respond to and embody the qualities of the music rather than merely keeping time.
Count
Teachers often organise movement using musical counts such as sets of eight.
Accent
A point of musical or movement emphasis.
Phrase
A musical or movement idea forming a recognisable unit.
Words Used to Describe Ballet Movement
Not all useful ballet words are formal French terms.
Writers, teachers and dancers also use descriptive vocabulary such as:
controlled
fluid
graceful
precise
expressive
elegant
powerful
light
sustained
sharp
soft
dynamic
expansive
delicate
musical
These words describe the quality of movement rather than identifying a particular step.
A grand jeté, for example, might be described as expansive and powerful, while an adagio may appear sustained and controlled.
Common Ballet Terms by Category
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Basic technique | Plié, Tendu, Relevé, Turnout, Alignment |
| Positions | Arabesque, Attitude, Retiré |
| Leg movements | Battement, Fondu, Développé, Rond de Jambe |
| Jumps | Sauté, Jeté, Assemblé, Sissonne, Entrechat |
| Turns | Pirouette, Chaînés, Piqué, Fouetté |
| Directions | Devant, Derrière, En Avant, En Arrière, En Dedans, En Dehors |
| Movement quality | Adagio, Allegro, Allongé |
| Company roles | Corps de Ballet, Soloist, Principal, Choreographer |
| Performance | Variation, Pas de Deux, Divertissement, Coda |
| Clothing | Leotard, Tutu, Ballet Shoes, Pointe Shoes |
| Pointe shoes | Box, Shank, Platform, Vamp, Ribbons |
| Music | Tempo, Rhythm, Musicality, Accent, Phrase |
Ballet Words A–Z
For a quicker reference, here are useful ballet words and expressions arranged alphabetically.
A: Adagio, allegro, alignment, allongé, aplomb, arabesque, assemblé, attitude
B: Ballet, ballet dancer, ballet master, barre, battement, box
C: Chaînés, changement, choreographer, choreography, classical ballet, coda, combination, corps de ballet
D: Demi-plié, demi-pointe, derrière, devant, développé, divertissement
E: En arrière, en avant, en croix, en dedans, en dehors, en l’air, enchaînement, ensemble, entrechat, épaulement
F: Fifth position, first position, fondu, fouetté, frappé
G: Grand allegro, grand battement, grand jeté, grand plié
J: Jeté
L: Leotard, libretto
M: Musicality
P: Pas, pas de chat, pas de deux, pas de trois, passé, piqué, pirouette, plié, pointe, pointe shoes, port de bras, principal dancer
R: Relevé, repertoire, retiré, révérence, rhythm, ribbons, Romantic ballet, rond de jambe
S: Sauté, second position, shank, sissonne, solo, soloist
T: Tendu, tights, tour en l’air, turnout, tutu
V: Vamp, variation
Why Learn Ballet Vocabulary?
Learning ballet vocabulary makes classes much easier to follow because teachers can communicate complex movements using a small number of recognised terms.
Instead of saying:
Bend your knees, stretch the foot to the side, close it, then rise onto the balls of your feet.
a teacher can communicate using familiar ballet terminology much more efficiently.
Vocabulary also helps audiences understand performances and programme notes.
Once you know the difference between an arabesque, attitude, pirouette, variation, corps de ballet and pas de deux, you begin noticing much more of the structure behind what happens on stage.
How to Learn Ballet Terms More Easily
Ballet words are much easier to remember when they are connected with actual movement.
Do not try to memorise plié simply as:
plié = bend
Perform a plié while saying the word.
Likewise, practise a tendu while thinking about the meaning to stretch, and connect relevé with the idea of rising.
Learning the original French meaning can also help:
plié → bent
tendu → stretched
relevé → raised
sauté → jumped
devant → front
derrière → behind
en avant → forward
The vocabulary then begins to feel less like a collection of mysterious foreign terms and more like instructions.
Common Ballet Words People Confuse
Plié vs Relevé
A plié bends the knees.
A relevé raises the dancer onto demi-pointe or pointe.
Arabesque vs Attitude
In an arabesque, the raised leg is extended behind.
In an attitude, the raised leg is bent.
Pointe vs Demi-Pointe
Pointe refers to dancing fully on the tips of the toes using appropriate pointe shoes and technique.
Demi-pointe refers to rising onto the balls of the feet.
Corps de Ballet vs Soloist
The corps de ballet forms the ensemble of a professional company.
A soloist performs more prominent individual and featured roles and may also represent a formal company rank.
Choreography vs Technique
Choreography is the arrangement of movements that make up a dance.
Technique is the physical and stylistic system used to execute ballet movements.
Is Ballet a Sport or an Art?
Ballet is primarily classified and practised as a performing art and dance form, although it requires substantial athletic ability.
Professional dancers need strength, stamina, flexibility, coordination, balance and highly developed physical control.
Calling ballet an art does not make it physically easy, just as recognising its athletic demands does not reduce it to a competitive sport.
Its distinctive feature is that technical movement is used for artistic and expressive purposes.
Final Thoughts
At first, ballet terminology can sound like an endless stream of unfamiliar French.
Then the patterns begin to appear.
Plié tells you to bend. Tendu tells you to stretch. Relevé involves rising. Sauté tells you a movement is jumped. Devant takes you to the front, while derrière takes you behind.
Before long, the vocabulary stops feeling separate from the dancing itself.
That is what makes ballet words particularly interesting. They are not simply labels to memorise. They function as a compact language for describing where the body moves, how it moves, which direction it travels and what quality the movement should have.
Whether you are learning ballet, watching it or simply looking for words associated with dance, understanding that vocabulary gives you a much clearer view of the technique behind the performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common words related to ballet?
Common ballet words include plié, tendu, relevé, arabesque, pirouette, jeté, sauté, barre, turnout, pointe, tutu, pas de deux and corps de ballet.
Why are ballet terms in French?
French became central to the development and codification of classical ballet, and French terminology subsequently became an international vocabulary used in ballet teaching.
What are the most important ballet terms for beginners?
Good terms to learn first include barre, turnout, first position, second position, plié, tendu, relevé, arabesque, port de bras and sauté.
What does plié mean?
Plié means bent or bending. In ballet, it describes bending the knees with appropriate alignment and placement.
What does tendu mean?
Tendu means stretched. A battement tendu extends the working leg and pointed foot along the floor before returning it to the starting position.
What does relevé mean?
Relevé means raised. It refers to rising onto demi-pointe or pointe.
What does arabesque mean in ballet?
An arabesque is a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one supporting leg while extending the other leg behind the body.
What is a pirouette?
A pirouette is a turn performed on one supporting leg.
What does jeté mean?
Jeté comes from the French for thrown and describes a family of jumping movements.
What does sauté mean in ballet?
Sauté means jumped or jumping. When attached to a ballet movement, it generally indicates that the movement is performed as a jump.
What is a pas de deux?
A pas de deux is a dance for two performers.
What is the corps de ballet?
The corps de ballet is the ensemble of dancers who perform group and supporting roles within a classical ballet company.
What is a principal dancer?
A principal dancer is typically one of the highest-ranking dancers in a professional ballet company and frequently performs leading roles.
What is the difference between pointe and demi-pointe?
On demi-pointe, the dancer balances on the balls of the feet. On pointe, a trained dancer rises fully onto the tips of the toes in specially constructed pointe shoes.
What is a tutu?
A tutu is a skirt associated with ballet costume. Classical tutus are generally shorter and project outward, while Romantic tutus are longer and softer in appearance.
What is turnout in ballet?
Turnout is the outward rotation of the legs from the hips and is one of the foundational principles of classical ballet technique.
What is port de bras?
Port de bras refers to the carriage and movement of the arms in ballet.
What is adagio in ballet?
Adagio refers to slow, sustained movement. Adagio exercises often emphasise balance, extension, line and control.
What is allegro in ballet?
Allegro refers to lively, faster movement and commonly includes jumping steps.
What does en pointe mean?
En pointe means performing on the tips of the toes using pointe shoes and appropriate pointe technique.
What is ballet choreography?
Choreography is the creation and arrangement of dance movements into sequences or complete works.
What words describe ballet?
Useful descriptive words include graceful, controlled, precise, expressive, elegant, fluid, powerful, sustained, delicate, dynamic, musical and expansive.
