From foundations and barre work through Adagio, turns, connecting steps, batterie, large jumps, and combinations.
Collection
120 movement pages with interactive movement views
The lexicon contains 120 movement and phrase pages. Each entry combines an observable description of the movement with technical execution, body awareness, guidance for teaching and learning, and choreographic possibilities. Interactive movement views help learners examine phases, directions, changes of support, and spatial relationships more closely.
Movements can be examined gradually while important relationships between body, feet, support, and space remain visible.
Synonyms, French ballet terminology, and school-dependent variants are placed in context without forcing different teaching traditions into one universal formula.
Technical movement organization is described first. Space, timing, relationship, and possible choreographic effects are considered afterwards.
Foundations
Foundations
A controlled bending and straightening of the legs in which foot placement, turnout, knee direction, pelvis, and torso remain coordinated.
Interactive movement view
A controlled rise onto demi-pointe or pointe with organized foot articulation, leg alignment, support, and vertical lift.
Interactive movement view
Jumps
Jumps
A small jump organized through plié, push-off, flight, landing, and recovery of the supporting position.
Interactive movement view
An opening from a closed foot position into a more open position, performed either as a jump or through a rise depending on the form.
Interactive movement view
A jump in which one leg brushes out, the legs assemble in the air, and the movement lands on two feet.
Interactive movement view
A jump from two feet that lands on one foot while the working leg remains open in a clearly organized position.
Interactive movement view
A jumping transfer of weight in which the body moves from one supporting organization to another through a clearly coordinated takeoff, flight, and landing.
Interactive movement view
A jump in which the bent legs lift sequentially, creating a compact airborne exchange before the movement returns to the floor.
Interactive movement view
A jump from one foot onto the same foot while the working leg remains free and clearly organized.
Interactive movement view
A small jump from fifth position in which the feet exchange their front-back relationship in the air and return to fifth position.
Interactive movement view
A small jeté with a compact transfer of weight, limited flight distance, and clear takeoff and landing.
Interactive movement view
A jump from two feet to one foot in which the free foot is gathered to sur le cou-de-pied after landing.
Interactive movement view
A Sissonne in which one foot receives the landing and the second closes almost immediately, producing a final closed two-foot position.
Interactive movement view
A Sissonne whose first one-legged landing continues immediately into another transfer of weight rather than settling into a held arrival.
Interactive movement view
A school-dependent Sissonne form with a deliberately yielding landing and continuation. Detailed leg height and closing organization vary between traditions.
Interactive movement view
A Sissonne followed by a flowing step-through action that carries the phrase onward rather than creating a second Sissonne.
Interactive movement view
A school-dependent Petit Allegro movement whose detailed leg and jumping organization differs between teaching traditions.
Interactive movement view
In a basic jumped form, the same supporting leg takes off and lands while the working leg opens and gathers again. Other forms vary by school.
Interactive movement view
A rocking sequence of alternating jumps and changes of support in which the legs and spatial direction alternate in an opposing organization.
Interactive movement view
Large jumps
Large jumps
A large traveling jump with a pronounced flight phase, clear spatial projection, and coordinated takeoff and landing. The degree of leg opening depends on the form and performer.
Interactive movement view
A large turning jump combining travel, leg change, and rotation. Terminology may overlap with Jeté entrelacé depending on the school.
Interactive movement view
A large turning and changing jump in which the legs alter their spatial relationship during flight while the body changes orientation.
Interactive movement view
The front leg gathers through a bent preparation and then unfolds into the large traveling jump rather than simply swinging straight into the airborne line.
Interactive movement view
A large Jeté combined with a pronounced turn of the body, linking flight path, leg organization, and changing spatial orientation.
Interactive movement view
A large traveling Pas-de-chat form with greater height and more expansive leg organization than the smaller Pas de chat.
Interactive movement view
A large traveling jump in which the front leg gathers through a bent preparation before unfolding. Naming may overlap with Grand pas de chat depending on the school.
Interactive movement view
An arrow-like large traveling jump with rapid sequential leg action and a clear directional impulse through space.
Interactive movement view
A large turning jump in which travel, rotation, and a marked change of leg and direction are closely linked.
Interactive movement view
A jump characterized by a curved, fish-like airborne silhouette. Detailed takeoff, landing, and terminology vary between schools.
Interactive movement view
Adagio & positions
Adagio & positions
A one-legged balance or transition in which the working foot is organized at the supporting leg while the body remains clearly supported.
Interactive movement view
The working leg gathers through Retiré and then unfolds forward with controlled support and alignment.
Interactive movement view
A one-legged organization in which the working leg extends behind while supporting leg, pelvis, torso, head, and arms form a coordinated spatial relationship.
Interactive movement view
A position on one supporting leg with the working leg lifted and bent behind while pelvis, torso, and supporting side remain organized.
Interactive movement view
The working leg gathers through Retiré and unfolds to the side with controlled support and alignment.
Interactive movement view
The working leg gathers through Retiré and unfolds backward with controlled support and torso organization.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg is lifted slowly forward without using the bent Retiré pathway of a Développé.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg is lifted slowly to the side and lowered again with equal control.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg is lifted slowly backward and lowered again while the torso and pelvis remain organized.
Interactive movement view
From an open position, the extended working leg returns toward the supporting leg through a bent, gathering pathway, reversing the unfolding logic of Développé.
Interactive movement view
The largely extended working leg describes a broad circular pathway in the air from the hip joint.
Interactive movement view
The working leg is carried to the side and bent at the knee while the supporting leg, pelvis, torso, and arms maintain balance over the supporting base.
Interactive movement view
Barre & battements
Barre & battements
The working leg slides forward, lengthens through the foot and toes, and returns with control.
Interactive movement view
The working leg slides sideways, lengthens through the foot and toes, and returns with control.
Interactive movement view
The extended working foot brushes forward through the floor, releases slightly into the air, and returns with control.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg traces a semicircular pathway along the floor while the supporting side remains organized.
Interactive movement view
The thigh remains carried while the lower leg performs the circular action and lengthens again.
Interactive movement view
The supporting leg bends while the working leg gathers, followed by a coordinated extension of both legs.
Interactive movement view
The working foot is prepared at the supporting leg and then extends rapidly and precisely into the chosen direction.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg is driven dynamically into a high line and returned with control.
Interactive movement view
The lower working leg moves rapidly around the supporting leg while the thigh and knee remain comparatively quiet.
Interactive movement view
The working leg opens into an extended line and is brought back into a controlled closed position while the supporting side sustains the body.
Interactive movement view
The working leg slides backward, lengthens through the foot and toes, and returns with control.
Interactive movement view
The working foot brushes sideways through the floor and releases slightly into the air before closing again.
Interactive movement view
The extended working foot brushes backward and releases slightly from the floor without unnecessary compensation from pelvis or torso.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg is lifted dynamically to the side and returned with control.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg is lifted dynamically backward and returned with control.
Interactive movement view
The extended working foot travels along the floor through first position from front to back or from back to front.
Interactive movement view
With the thigh held, the lower leg performs two rapid circular actions before lengthening again.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg traces the floor pathway from front through side to back.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg traces the floor pathway from back through side to front.
Interactive movement view
The preparatory foot action at the supporting leg is expanded before the working leg extends rapidly into the chosen direction.
Interactive movement view
The lifted working leg performs a rapid beating action against or close to the supporting leg while the thigh and torso remain comparatively quiet.
Interactive movement view
The extended working leg swings through first position from devant to derrière and back like a pendulum.
Interactive movement view
Turns
Turns
A turn on one supporting leg combining preparation, rise, working-leg organization, rotation, and controlled completion.
Interactive movement view
A sequence of linked half-turns with rapid changes of support and repeated reorientation of the body through space.
Interactive movement view
A turning action in which opening and gathering of the working leg contribute to the continuation of rotation.
Interactive movement view
A compact turn on both feet, often on demi-pointe, used to change the orientation of body and feet.
Interactive movement view
A turning action in which the legs close into a closely organized position while the body reorients on an elevated support.
Interactive movement view
A Pirouette organized in the direction classically described as outward relative to the supporting leg.
Interactive movement view
A Pirouette organized in the direction classically described as inward relative to the supporting leg.
Interactive movement view
A straight leg steps directly onto demi-pointe or pointe, receives the body weight immediately, and leads into rotation.
Interactive movement view
A turn performed with the working leg organized to the side, either maintained or repeatedly returned to that position depending on the form.
Interactive movement view
A turn with the working leg carried in Attitude while balance, pelvis, and rotational axis remain coordinated.
Interactive movement view
A turn with the working leg extended behind in an Arabesque organization.
Interactive movement view
An advanced Fouetté variant with a characteristic change of working-leg and arm organization; details vary between schools.
Interactive movement view
Connecting steps
Connecting steps
A family of small three-part connecting sequences in which each of the three steps receives body weight. Direction and crossing organization vary by form and school.
Interactive movement view
A rocking three-part step with one more spatially significant first step followed by two smaller transfers of weight.
Interactive movement view
A small gliding jump that combines brushing, brief flight, travel, and closing into a connecting action.
Interactive movement view
A traveling step in which one foot opens the pathway, the other closes toward it, and the movement continues in the chosen direction.
Interactive movement view
A controlled transfer of weight into a bent supporting leg, creating a new base for the continuation of the phrase.
Interactive movement view
A compound connecting step combining an arcing or rond-de-jambe-like pathway with successive transfers of weight. Detailed forms vary by school.
Interactive movement view
A flowing close-stepped form with rapid transfers of weight and continuous travel. Terminology may overlap with related Bourrée forms.
Interactive movement view
A three-part Pas-de-bourrée variant with a specific crossing organization. The exact application of dessus depends on starting side and teaching tradition.
Interactive movement view
A three-part Pas-de-bourrée variant using the opposing crossing organization to dessus. Detailed application varies by school.
Interactive movement view
The three-part sequence of weight transfers is combined with a reorientation or turn of the body.
Interactive movement view
A cutting foot or weight change in which one foot takes the place or supporting function of the other; detailed use varies by school.
Interactive movement view
A waltz-like three-step family with flowing transfers of weight that may travel, turn, or connect with Port de bras.
Interactive movement view
A compound connecting step with a springing change of weight and direction. Its timing creates a counter-accent, while detailed construction varies between schools.
Interactive movement view
A flowing step-through transition that frequently carries the movement onward after a jump.
Interactive movement view
Batterie & jumps
Batterie & jumps
A jump in which the second leg beats against the lifted leading leg before the legs reorganize for the continuation or landing.
Interactive movement view
A beaten jump from fifth position with rapid crossing actions of the legs and a closed landing on both feet.
Interactive movement view
A beaten jump from fifth position in which the legs perform a rapid beat and change before returning to a closed landing.
Interactive movement view
An odd-numbered Entrechat with a rapid crossing action in the air and a one-legged landing.
Interactive movement view
An odd-numbered Entrechat with several rapid crossing changes and a one-legged landing.
Interactive movement view
An advanced even-numbered Entrechat with several rapid crossing changes and a landing on both feet.
Interactive movement view
An Échappé combined with an additional beating action during the flight phase.
Interactive movement view
An Assemblé in which the brushing and assembling of the legs are combined with a beating action in the air.
Interactive movement view
A traveling beaten jump in which the legs meet in the air and the landing continues the spatial direction.
Interactive movement view
A further Brisé form with a more pronounced traveling and airborne organization; detailed sequences vary by school.
Interactive movement view
A Cabriole oriented forward in which the second leg beats against the lifted leading leg before the movement reorganizes for landing.
Interactive movement view
A Cabriole oriented backward, combining a large leg line, beating action, and controlled continuation or landing.
Interactive movement view
An advanced Cabriole with an additional beat between the legs during the airborne phase.
Interactive movement view
Combinations
Combinations
A slow phrase combining several technically independent movements, held positions, transfers of support, and controlled transitions into one continuous musical and physical task.
Interactive movement view
Adagio & transitions
Adagio & transitions
A linked sequence in which preparation, opening, complete transfer of weight, and arrival are connected without interruption.
Interactive movement view
Port de bras & upper body
Port de bras & upper body
A coordinated pathway of the arms in which shoulder girdle, elbows, wrists, hands, head, focus, and upper body participate in one connected movement organization.
Interactive movement view
Pointe work & weight transfer
Pointe work & weight transfer
A straight leg steps directly onto demi-pointe or pointe and immediately becomes the new supporting leg while the other leg becomes free.
Interactive movement view
A tightly crossed elevated supporting position in which the legs draw closely together on demi-pointe or pointe.
Interactive movement view
A continuing series of very small rapid running-like steps on demi-pointe or pointe that carry the body through space.
Interactive movement view
A continuing sequence of very small transfers of weight, often performed with closely organized legs on demi-pointe or pointe.
Interactive movement view
A close small-step Bourrée form performed specifically on pointe, carrying the body through continuous rapid transfers of weight.
Interactive movement view
Walking on demi-pointe with clear transfer of weight from step to step and stable organization of the supporting leg and torso.
Interactive movement view
Walking on pointe with controlled transfer of weight, precise foot placement, and stable vertical organization.
Interactive movement view
Turns & adagio
Turns & adagio
A slow controlled rotation around the supporting leg while a chosen pose or working-leg organization remains clearly maintained.
Interactive movement view
A movement combining an inclined or arched body line with turning and transfer of weight. Detailed forms vary between schools.
Interactive movement view
The body rotates slowly around the supporting leg while the Arabesque organization is maintained as clearly as possible.
Interactive movement view
The body rotates slowly around the supporting leg while the working leg remains organized in Attitude.
Interactive movement view
Turns & jumps
Turns & jumps
A vertical jump combined with one complete rotation around the body axis and a controlled landing.
Interactive movement view
A vertical jump containing two complete rotations and requiring precise coordination of takeoff, axis, airborne rotation, and landing.
Interactive movement view
An Assemblé combined with rotation so that brushing, takeoff, assembling of the legs, turning, and landing remain precisely coordinated.
Interactive movement view
Jumps & steps
Jumps & steps
An interlocking family of alternating jumps or steps in which support and free-leg organization change rapidly; exact forms and directions vary.
Interactive movement view