Adage, Adagio
[a-DAHZH]
Adagio is a French word derived from the Italian ad agio, meaning the ease or leisure. In dancing it has two meanings: In ballet it has two meanings: (1) A series of exercises consisting of a succession of slow and graceful movements, executed in a legato (tied together) manner. These exercises develop a sustaining power, sense of line, balance and the beautiful pose which enables the dancer to perform with majesty and grace. (2) The opening section of the classical pas de deux, in which the ballerina, assisted by her male partner, demonstrates her grace, line, and perfect balance.
en l’air
[ahn lehr]
Example: Rond de Jambe en l’air
In the air. Indicates: (1) that a movement is to be made in the air; for example, rond de jambe en l’air; (2) that the working leg, after being opened to the second or fourth position à terre, is to be raised to a horizontal position with the toe on the level of the hip.
allégro
[a-lay-GROH]
Brisk, lively. A term applied to bright, fast or brisk steps and movement. All steps where the dancer jumps are considered allégro, such as sautés, jetés, cabrioles, assemblés, and so on.
arabesque
[a-ra-BESK]
Example of Arabesques Cecchetti Method
Example of Arabesques Vaganova Method
One of the basic poses in ballet, arabesque takes its name from a form of Moorish ornament. In ballet it is a position of the body, in profile, supported on one leg, which can be straight or demi-plié, with the other leg extended behind and at right angles to it, and the arms held in various harmonious positions creating the longest possible line from the fingertips to the toes. The shoulders must be held square to the line of direction. The forms of arabesque are varied to infinity. The Cecchetti method uses five principal arabesques; the Russian School (Vaganova), four; and the French School, two. Arabesques are generally used to conclude a phrase of steps, both in the slow movements of adagio and the brisk, gay movements of allégro.