arabesque (ar-uh-BESK) One of the basic poses in ballet. The dancer stands on one foot with the other leg extended straight behind the body with the foot pointed, to create a long, flowing line from fingertips to toes.
barre (bahr) A wooden rail dancers use a
support during their warm-up exercises.
bourree (boo-RAY) Small, quick,
even steps, usually done on pointe, that give the impression of gliding
across the floor.
choreographer The person who has the idea
for the ballet and then arranges the steps and patterns so that they make
a whole work of art.
corps de ballet (kor duh ba-LAY) Dancers
who appear in a large group or ensemble.
danseur noble (dahn-SER NAW-bluh) A male
dancer who performs leading roles.
en pointe To dance on the very tip of the specifically constructed pointe shoe.
jete (zhuh-TAY) A leap from one foot to the other. A grande jete is a bounding leap forward with the legs outstretched into a split.
pas de deux (pah duh duh) A dance for two; a duet, a traditional feature of ballet.
pirouette (peer-oh-ET) A twirl or spin on one leg starting from two feet.
plié (plee-AY) A bending of the knees, the basis of all ballet steps.
principals Dancers in the leading roles of a ballet. Outstanding female principals are called prima ballerinas.
spotting A technique of keeping eyes on a fixed point when turning to avoid dizziness.
tutu (TOO-too) Costume worn by the ballerina made up of layers of gathered netting or other fabric.