27/10/2026
Terminology Tuesday is back!
This week, we’re breaking down four ballet terms you might hear in class!
🩰 DEVANT (duh-VAHN)
Meaning “In Front”.
Used to describe a position or movement where the working leg is placed or extended in front of the body. You’ll often hear this in exercises such as Battement tendu, jete or grand battement
🩰 DE CÔTÉ (duh koh-TAY)
Meaning “To the Side”.
Describes a movement performed to the side of the body. For example, battement tendu de côté involves extending the working leg out to the side while maintaining correct placement and alignment.
🩰 DERRIÈRE (deh-RYEHR)
Meaning “Behind”.
Used when the working leg is positioned or moves behind the body. Whether performing a tendu derrière or an arabesque, correct posture, turnout and alignment remain essential.
🩰 EN CROIX (ahn KWAH)
Meaning “In the Shape of a Cross”.
Describes a sequence of movements performed in different directions, typically devant (front), de côté (side), derrière (back), and de côté (side) again.
You’ll often hear en croix during barre exercises, helping dancers develop coordination, control and balanced technique on both sides of the body.
Which ballet term should we break down next? Let us know below 👇
