Cecchetti Method: A school and style of ballet, originated by Enrico Cecchetti (1850-1928) in Italy. Emphasizes seven basic movements in dance: Plier (to bend), Étendre (to stretch), Relever (to rise), Glisser (to slide or glide), Sauter (to jump), Élancer (to dart), Tourner (to turn). Used by the Italian and Royal (English) Ballets.

 

First position: The legs are externally rotated, and heels are together

Second position: The legs are externally rotated and separated by the distance of one foot, in the frontal plane.

Third position: The legs are externally rotated, and one heel is placed in front of the other.

Fourth position: Third position but feet are varied to be one foot length apart

Fifth position: The legs are externally rotated, one foot is crossed in front of the other, with forward toe touching the back heel.

 

Devant: In front

À la seconde: A movement with feet to the side or in second position

Derrière: Behind.

 

arabesque: The gesture leg is extended behind the dancer’s body at 90° or higher, which requires hip and spine hyperextension, knee extension, and ankle-foot plantarflexion.

plié: A bend of the knees while the torso is held upright

port-de-bras: Carriage of the arms.

relevé: A rise or spring onto the toes (demi- or full pointe) from plié

rèvèrence: “Bow”. Traditional port-de-bras and port-de-corps showing respect and gratitude to the ballet master or audience.

tendu: A “stretched” action of the gesturing limb from a stance position with flat foot to a pointed foot, with the toes keeping contact with the floor.