Related Words

Ballet: A theatrical work or entertainment in which a choreographer has expressed his ideas in group and solo dancing to a musical accompaniment with appropriate costumes, scenery and lighting.

Balletomane: A ballet fan or enthusiast. The word was invented in Russia in the early nineteenth century.

Corps De Ballet: The ensemble of a ballet company: especially, the ensemble apart from the featured dancers.

Pas: Literally, 'step'. In ballet, the term pas often refers to a combination of steps which make up a dance (typically, in dance forms such as jazz, hip-hop, tap, etc., this is called a routine) . . . View Full Definition

Positions Of The Feet: The basic five positions of the feet on the floor were set down by the dancing master Pierre Beauchamp in the late 17th century. Two more positions were introduced by Mr. Serge Lifar during . . . View Full Definition

Pirouette: A controlled turn on one leg, starting with one or both legs in plie and rising onto demi-pointe (usually for men) or pointe (usually for women). The non-supporting leg can be held in retire . . . View Full Definition

Split: A spare combination in which the head pin is down and the remaining pins have one or more intermediate pins down immediately ahead of or behind them. There are 459 possible split combinations.

Turn-Out: A rotation of the leg from the hips, causing the knee and foot to also turn outward. Properly done, the ankles remain erect and the foot arch remains curved and supporting. Turn-out techniqu . . . View Full Definition

Pas De Deux: meaning 'step of two'. Pas de deux is a duet usually performed by a female and a male dancer. A famous pas de deux is the Black Swan pas de deux. See also Pas de deux.

French Overture: Baroque instrumental introduction to an opera, ballet or suite, in two sections: a slow opening followed by an allegro, often with a brief return to the opening.