Ballet List 1

Battement Degage - the working foot rises about four inches from the floor and then slides back into the first or third position.

Battement Frappe - the working foot starts at the standing leg's ankle then goes out to the front, side, or back with the toes off the ground in the ending.

Battement Tendu - without lifting the toe, the working foot slides from first or fifth position to second or third while knees remain straight. As foot reaches Pointe tendu, it returns to first or fifth position.

Fondu - a position that involves lowering the body by bending the knee of the supporting leg.

Grand Battement - both legs are standing straight and one leg is kicked outward then inward from the body.

Petit Battement - one leg is straight and moves forward and backward from the ankle of the other leg.

Plie - with the feet turned out and heels planted on the ground, bend knee and straighten.
          - Demi Plie: knees are half bent.
          - Grand Plie: knees are bent over the toes which causes heels to lift from the floor. When coming                    back up, lower heels as soon as possible.
     *Plie is done with a straight back

Rond de Jambe A terre - both legs are kept straight while the toe of the  working foot stays on the ground and does not pass the fourth position forward and backward.

Positions of the Feet
First Position -  the feet are opened as wide as possible while the heels touch.

Second Position - the feet are in first position but the heels have a few inches of space between them.

Third Position - one foot is placed in front the other in such a way that the front foot is close to the arch of the back foot.

Fourth Position - position is usually determined by which foot is in front. The heel of the front foot is lined up with the toe of the back foot or both heels are aligned.

Fifth Position -  while touching each other, one foot is placed in front of the other with the heel aligned to the toe of the other foot.

Positions of the Hands
First Position - arms are curves and brought up in such a way that the tips of the fingers are aligned with the navel.

Second Position - elbows are a little lower than the shoulders and wrists a little lower than the elbow. Arms are out to the sides with palm facing forward.

Third Position - one arm is in second position while the other is in first.

Fourth Position - while one arm is in first position, the other is rounded and raised above the head.

Fifth Position - both arms are rounded and raised above the head.

My Reflection on Day 1 of Movement

          I have taken ballet in my younger for about three months because I really didn't like the environment. However coming to UT I decided to give it another try because I was told it would help me improve my skills and techniques in other areas of dance. I am really glad I chose to do this because it was exactly what I had in mind.. so far at least. I can't wait to learn more.. especially about leaps because Lord knows I seriously need help.