Dance Termenology
If I have a picture of any of the terms I will add them by the definition.
Adage: A combination of slow controlled movements.
Adagio: A graceful dance in which the key elements are alignment of the body and perfect balance. It is usually performed by a ballerina and a male partner.
Arabesque: The straight leg is raised directly behind the body.
Attitude: The leg is raised directly behind the body with the knee bent and as high as the foot, and the foot pointed at the dancer's side.
Ball-Change: A back and forth motion in any direction. Weight is shifted off the standing leg and onto the ball of the foot of the otherleg and then the weight is shifted back to the standing leg.
Ballerina: The star woman dancer of a ballet production.
Ballon: Holding a pose in the air.
Barre: A pole that is attached parallel to a wall to assist dancers in certain exercises.
Chaines: Fast sequence of two step (chain) turns.
Chasse: One foot "chases" the other foot in a sliding open-together-open motion. This is sometimes referred to as "step-ball change".
Coupe: At the ankle.
Danseur: The male star of a ballet production.
Danseuse: A female star.
En Dedans: A turn in an inwards direction, toward the standing leg.
En Dehors: A turn in an outwards direction, away from the standing leg.
Entrechat: A jump where one foot crosses in front of the other foot and then behind it as the dancer is in the air.
Fouette: A turn done on one foot as the other foot circles around to pull the body.
Grand Battement: A smooth, quick kick of the leg from a standing upright position to a lifted position.
Grand Jete: A leap in which the movin leg kicks swiftly straight.
Grand Jete with developpe: A leap in which the movin leg goes through the passe motion before extending.
Jazz Hands: Palms facing forward and hands turned out with fingers stretched and spread.
Pas: A step or combination of steps that makes up a dance.
Pas de Bourree: Three steps in a sequence of back-side-front. Frequently referred to as "back-ball change".
Passe: Bringing pointed foot to knee.
Piroutte: A turn on one leg (in place).
Pivot: A half-turn on the ball of the foot that twists the body in a different direction.
Plie: To bend at the knee.
Port de bras: Specific movement of the arms.
Releve: Raising the body onto the balls of the feet.
Tendu: To stretch the foot along the floor to a point.
Triplet: Any three steps taken in two counts of music.
Ballerina: The star woman dancer of a ballet production.