Your First Steps in Ballet French: A Beginner‘s Guide52

Bienvenue à la première leçon! Welcome to the first lesson of your self-guided journey into the elegant and expressive world of ballet French. This specialized vocabulary, a blend of French and technical terms, is essential for anyone serious about understanding and participating in the ballet world, whether you're a dancer, a student, or simply an enthusiastic observer. This tutorial will equip you with the fundamental phrases and terms to navigate your first steps into this captivating linguistic landscape.

Ballet, originating in the royal courts of France, naturally retained a significant amount of its French terminology. Understanding these terms is not merely a matter of cultural appreciation; it’s crucial for effective communication within the ballet community. From the precise instructions given by instructors to the nuances of choreography descriptions, French permeates the language of ballet. Mastery of even basic terms elevates your understanding and appreciation of this demanding art form.

This first lesson will focus on foundational vocabulary related to basic positions, movements, and common instructions. We will begin with the fundamental ballet positions, which form the basis of all subsequent steps and movements. Let’s start with the five basic positions of the feet (les cinq positions des pieds):

1. Première position (First Position): Heels touching, feet turned out to the sides. (Talons joints, pieds tournés vers l'extérieur.)

2. Deuxième position (Second Position): Feet apart, approximately shoulder-width, turned out to the sides. (Pieds écartés à la largeur des épaules, tournés vers l'extérieur.)

3. Troisième position (Third Position): One heel placed in front of the arch of the other foot, both feet turned out. (Un talon placé devant la voûte de l'autre pied, les deux pieds tournés vers l'extérieur.)

4. Quatrième position (Fourth Position): One foot in front of the other, approximately a foot’s length apart, both feet turned out. (Un pied devant l'autre, à environ une longueur de pied, les deux pieds tournés vers l'extérieur.)

5. Cinquième position (Fifth Position): One foot placed directly in front of the other, with the heel of the front foot touching the toe of the back foot, both feet turned out. (Un pied placé directement devant l'autre, le talon du pied avant touchant l'orteil du pied arrière, les deux pieds tournés vers l'extérieur.)

Next, we will explore some fundamental movement terms:

Tendu (Tendue): To stretch the working leg to the side, front, or back, keeping the knee straight. (Étirer la jambe de travail sur le côté, devant ou derrière, en gardant le genou tendu.)

Dégagé (Dégajé): To brush the working leg along the floor, slightly lifting it from the floor. (Effleurer la jambe de travail sur le sol, en la soulevant légèrement.)

Retiré (Retiré): To lift the working leg to the knee, bending it and bringing the foot to the knee of the supporting leg. (Lever la jambe de travail jusqu'au genou, en la pliant et en amenant le pied au genou de la jambe d'appui.)

Rond de jambe (Rond de jambe): A circular movement of the leg, either on the floor or in the air. (Mouvement circulaire de la jambe, soit sur le sol, soit en l'air.)

Tour (Tour): A turn. (Un tour.)

Fouetté (Fouetté): A whipping movement of the leg, often used in turns. (Un mouvement de fouet de la jambe, souvent utilisé dans les tours.)

Soutenu (Soutenu): A sustained movement, often a slow turn. (Un mouvement soutenu, souvent un tour lent.)

Finally, let's look at some common instructions a ballet instructor might use:

Bras (Bras): Arms. (Bras.)

Tête (Tête): Head. (Tête.)

Plus haut (Plus haut): Higher. (Plus haut.)

Plus bas (Plus bas): Lower. (Plus bas.)

Debout (Debout): Standing. (Debout.)

Assis (Assis): Seated. (Assis.)

À la seconde (À la seconde): To the second position. (À la deuxième position.)

Croisé (Croisé): Crossed (legs). (Croisé (jambes).)

This initial lesson provides a solid foundation in ballet French. Consistent practice, alongside listening to instructors and watching ballet performances, will further enhance your comprehension and fluency. Remember, the beauty of ballet is intertwined with its language. By mastering the terminology, you’ll deepen your connection to this exquisite art form. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)

2025-06-06

Previous：How to Pronounce “vw“ in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Next：How to Pronounce “Chocolat“ in French: A Comprehensive Guide