Pricked, pricking. Executed by stepping directly on the pointe of the working foot in
any desired direction with the other foot raised in the air. (pee- KAY)
Whirl or spin. A complete turn of the body on one foot either on the pointe or demi-
pointe, the motive power being obtained from a combination of plie and arm
movement. There is a great variety of pirouettes. (peer-WET)
Bent, bending. A bending of the knees or knee to render the joints soft and pliable,
and the muscles and tendons flexible and elastic. (plee-AY)
Carriage of the arms. (por dih BRAH)
In a walk. Indicates that the dancer turns slowly on one foot by a series of slight
movements of the heel to the required side while maintaining a definite pose. (ahn
prawm-NAD)
Raised. A raising of the body on the pointes or demi-pointes, which may be done in
many different positions. (rih-leh-VAY)
Reverence, curtsey. (ray-vay-RAHNSS)
Round of the leg; that is, a circular movement of the leg. Ronds de jambe is used as
an exercise at the barre, in the center and in the adage, and is done on the floor (à
terre) or in the air (en l’air). (rawn duh zhahnb)
Sissonne is named for the originator of the step. The most commond form of sissonne
is the springing off from two feet and landing on one foot, then usually closing the
second foot. (see-SAWN)
sudden spring or bound. (soo-bruh-SOH)
Basque jump. A traveling step in which the dancer turns in the air with one foot drawn
up to the knee of the other leg. ( soh duh bask)
Under-over. Sous-sus is a releve in the fifth position. The dancer springs onto the
pointes, drawing the legs and feet tightly together with the heels forced forward so
that they give the impression of one foot. (soo-SEW)
Sustained in turning. (soot-NEW ahn toor NAHN)
This is a term given to the movement of the head in turning. The dancer chooses a
spot in front and as the turn is made away from the spot, the head is the last to leave
and the first to arrive as the body completes that turn. This snap of the head gives the
impression that the face is always turned forward and prevents the dancer from
becoming dizzy.
On the neck of the foot. The foot is wrapped at base of the ankle.
Falling down. Used to indicate that the body falls forward or backward onto the
working leg in a demi-plie. (tohm-BAY)
The tulle skirt a ballerina wears.
Fundamentals of Ballet, Dance 10AB, Professor Sheree King