Battement Ballet
![Jacklyn Dougherty Battement [bat-MAHN]. Beating. A beating action of the extended or bent leg. There are two types of battements, grands battements and petits battements. The petis battements are: Battements tendus, degages, frappes and tendus releves: stretched, disengaged, struck and stretched-and-lifted. Battement, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN]. Large battement. An exercise in which the working leg is raised from the hip into the air and brought down again, the accent being on the downward movement, both knees straight. This must be done with apparent ease, the rest of the body remaining quiet. The function of grands battements is to loosen the hip joints and turn out the legs from the hips. Grands battements can be taken devant, derriere and a la seconde. To execute a grand battement a la quatrieme devant start in the fifth position R foot front. In one sweeping movement, slide the R foot to the fourth position front (fourth position croise), pointe tendue, raise the foot to the fourth position front en Fair, lower the foot to the fourth position pointe tendue and slide the foot back to the fifth position front. Battements a la seconde and a la quatrieme derriere are done in the same manner. In the execution of grands battements a la seconde the working leg closes alternately in the fifth position front and back. Battement, petit [puh-TEE bat-MAHN ]. Small battement. This is another term for a battement tendu. It is also a term for any small beating action of the foot or leg. Battement arrondi [ bat-MAHN a-rawn-DEE]. Battement rounded. A term of the French School. The toes of the working foot describe a semicircle in the air on an oblique plane at 45 degrees, either en dedans or en dehors. For en dehors, extend the working leg forward and carry it around to the back and finish in the fifth position. For en dedans, reverse the movement. Battement arrondi, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN a-rawn-DEE] . Large battement rounded. A term of the French School. This is a grand battement circled from the fifth position to the fifth position passing through all the open positions in the air at 90 degrees. The highest point of the battement is reached when the leg passes through the second position in the air. The battement is performed either en dedans or en dehors. Also known as “grand battement en rond.” Battement arrondi en dedans, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN a-rawn- DEE ahn duh-DAHN]. Large battement rounded inward. The working foot starts in the fifth position back and in one sweeping movement passes through the positions a la quatrieme derriere en Fair, a la seconde en Fair, a la quatrieme devant en Fair, and closes in the fifth position front. Battement arrondi en dehors, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN a-rawn- DEE ahn duh-AWR]. Large battement rounded outward. In this battement the working foot starts in the fifth position front and in one sweeping movement passes through the positions a la quatrieme devant en Fair, a la seconde en Fair, a la quatrieme derriere en Fair, and closes in the fifth position back. Battement battu [ bat-MAHN ba-TEW]. Battement beaten. The R foot is placed in the position sur le cou-de-pied devant or derriere and the R toe beats against the L ankle with a series of quick little taps, using the lower part of the leg from the knee down. Battements battus are performed as an exercise at the barre on the point or demi-pointe. They are also performed by the danseuse on point supported by her partner. Battement degage [ bat-MAHN day-ga-ZHAY]. Disengaged battement. A term of the Cecchetti method. The battement degage is similar to the battement tendu but is done at twice the speed and the working foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe, then slides back into the the first or fifth position. Battements degages strengthen the toes, develop the instep and improve the flexibility of the ankle joint. Same as battement tendu jete (Russian School), battement glisse (French School). Battement developpe [ bat-MAHN dayv-law-PAY ]. Battement developed. From the fifth position the working foot glides up to the retire position and forcefully opens in the required direction. On reaching the extreme point the leg is lowered into the fifth position. This exercise is usually done en croix. Battement developpe tombe [ bat-MAHN dayv-law-PAY tawn-BAY]. Battement developed and falling down. This battement is done as an exercise at the bar or in the center adagio. It is done en avant, en arriere and de cote in the directions croise, efface and ecarte. Fifth position R foot front; developpe the R leg to the fourth position front, rising on the L demi-pointe: fall forward into a deep lunge on the R leg with the L leg extended back on the floor pointe tendue; transfer the weight back to the L foot and repeat the exercise in the desired direction. Battement en cloche, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ahn klawsh] . Large battement like a bell. A term of the French School and the Cecchetti method. Grands battements en cloche are continuous grands battements executed from the fourth position front or back en Fair to the fourth position back or front en Fair, passing through the first position. Same as grand battement jete balance, but the body remains upright as the leg swings. Battement en cloche, petit [puh-TEE bat-MAHN ahn klawsh]. Small battement like a bell. Same as battement tendu jete balance. Battement en croix, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ahn krwah]. Large battement in the form of a cross. First a grand battement is done en quatrieme devant, followed by a grand battement a la seconde closing in the fifth position back. Then a grand battement a la quatrieme derriere, followed by a grand battement a la seconde closing in the fifth position front. Battement en rond, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ahn rawn]. Same as grand battement arrondi. Battement fini pique, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN fee-NEE pee-KAY]. Large battement finished in pique. A term of the French School. This battement begins with a grand battement but the foot does not return to the fifth position. The extended leg is lowered to the floor pointe tendue in either the second or fourth position. The foot is raised from this position and continues the movement, returning to the fifth position at the completion of the last battement. Also called “grand battement jete pointe.” Battement fondu [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW] . Battement, sinking down. This is an exercise in which the supporting leg is slowly bent in fondu with the working foot pointing on the ankle. As the supporting leg is straightened, the working leg unfolds and is extended to point on the floor or in the air. The movement is done devant, derriere and a la seconde. In fondu forward, the conditional position sur le cou-de-pied devant is used. In fondu back, the basic position sur le cou-de-pied derriere is used. Battement fondu, double [DOO-bluh bat-MAHN fawn-DEW]. Double battement fondu. A term of the Russian School. The step consists of two fondus. The first fondu and releve is taken with the working foot sur le cou-de- pied, then the working leg stretches in the given direction at 45 or 90 degrees while the supporting leg bends in demi-plie and straightens with a rise to the demi-pointe. Battement fondu developpe [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW dayv-law-PAY ]. Battement fondu developed. This is performed in the same manner as battement fondu simple {q.v). As the supporting leg straightens, the working leg does a developpe at either 45 or 90 degrees. If the developpe is at 45 degrees, the working leg opens from sur le cou-de-pied. If the developpe is at 90 degrees, the working leg is brought from sur le cou-de-pied to retire, then opens in the desired direction as the supporting knee straightens. The leg moves evenly until reaching the angle of 45 or 90 degrees and is sustained momentarily in the extended position before slowly returning to sur le cou-de- pied as the supporting leg executes a demi-plie. Battement fondu developpe releve [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW dayv- law-PAY ruhl-VAY ]. Battement fondu developed and raised. This is performed in the same manner as battement fondu developpe. As the supporting leg straightens, the dancer rises to the demi-pointe and performs a developpe at 45 or 90 degrees. Battement fondu simple [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW SEN-pluh]. Simple battement fondu. From the fifth position the R foot moves to sur le cou-de- pied devant while the L leg does a demi-plie, then the R leg opens forward with a small developpe to the fourth position front, pointing the toe on the ground as the L leg straightens. The R foot returns to sur le cou-de-pied and the movement is repeated to the second position and to the fourth position back. In the latter case, the foot passes sur le cou-de-pied derriere. The knee is not raised and the leg is not lifted in battement fondu simple. Battement fouette [bat-MAHN fweh-TAY]. Whipped battement. From the second position en Fair, the working foot is swept across the floor so that the pointed toes strike the floor, finishing in a pointed position in front or back of the ankle of the supporting leg. Flic-flac; Fouette, petit; Fouette a terre. Battement frappe [bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. Struck battement. An exercise in which the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front, side or back. This exercise strengthens the toes and insteps and develops the power of elevation. It is the basis of the allegro step, the jete. Battement frappe (Cecchetti method) [bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. The working foot is placed sur le cou-de-pied devant with the knee bent, all five oes resting on the floor sur la demi-pointe, and the face of the heel touching the supporting leg just above the ankle joint. With a strong movement from the knee, the foot is thrust out to the second position, striking the ball of the foot on the floor and rising several inches off the floor in a strong point. The foot is then returned to the original position sur le cou-de-pied, sliding behind the supporting leg without striking the ground. The movement is repeated alternately devant and derriere with the strong accent in the second position. Battement frappe may also be executed to the fourth position devant or derriere. It is also performed with the supporting leg sur la demi-pointe. Battement frappe (French School) [ bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. From the second position pointe tendue, the working foot beats the supporting leg sur le cou-de-pied devant or derriere in the wrapped position. Battement frappe (Russian School) [bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. The movement starts with the working foot pointed in the second position. The working foot beats the supporting leg sur le cou-de-pied devant in either the wrapped or pointed position. Then, with a strong movement from the knee, the foot is thrust out to the second position, with the toe pointed. The foot then returns sur le cou-de-pied derriere. The movement is repeated alternately with the strong accent in the second position. Battement frappe may also be executed en croix. It is also performed with the supporting leg sur la demi- pointe. Battement frappe double [bat-MAHN fra-PAY DOO-bluh]. Double battement struck. This is similar to the battement frappe, except that the foot beats sur le cou-de-pied devant and then passes sur le cou-de-pied derriere before being extended in the first battement frappe. The next beating will be sur le cou-de-pied derriere and then sur le cou-de-pied devant before the extension in the second position. Battements frappes doubles are usually done immediately after a series of battements frappes. Battement frappe pointe [ bat-MAHN fra-PAY pwen-TAY]. Battement struck and pointed. The movement starts in the second position with the working foot pointe tendue. The working foot beats the supporting leg sur le cou-de-pied devant, then is extended to the second position pointe tendu a terre. The foot returns sur le cou-de-pied derriere and the movement is repeated alternately with the strong accent in the pointed position. Battements frappes pointes may also be executed en croix. They may also be done with a releve on the supporting leg. In this case, the supporting heel is lowered into a demi-plie as the working foot points in the open position and is raised as the working foot beats sur le cou-de-pied. See Battement frappe. Battement frappe pointe double [ bat-MAHN fra-PAY pwen-TAY DOO-bluh ]. Double battement struck and pointed. The working foot beats sur le cou-de-pied devant and derriere, or vice versa, before being extended in the open position pointe tendue a terre. Battement glisse [ bat-MAHN glee-SAY]. Battement glided or slipped. A term of the French School. Same as battement degage, battement tendu jete. Battement jete, grand [grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY]. Large battement thrown. A term of the Russian School for a grand battement. Battement jete balance, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY ba-lahn- SAY]. Large battement thrown and rocked. A term of the Russian School. Grands battements jetes balances are a series of grands battements executed with a continuous swinging movement through the first position to the fourth position front and back (or vice versa) to an angle of 90 degrees or more. As the leg is thrown forcefully forward, the body leans backward; then, as the leg is thrown backward, the body leans forward. Battement jete balan^oire, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY ba- lahn-SWAHR]. Large battement thrown and like a seesaw. A term of the Russian School. Same as battement jete balance, grand. Battement jete passe, grand [grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY pa-SAY], Large battement thrown and passed. A term of the Russian School. The working leg is thrown forward at 90 degrees or higher with the body inclining slightly backward. The leg then bends with the thigh well turned out to the side. The pointed toe, with heel well forward, passes the supporting knee and the body comes erect. The leg then extends backward at 90 degrees or higher with the body inclining forward; the leg is then lowered and the body straightens before the movement is repeated. The movement may also be reversed. This battement may be combined with other grands battements jetes or combined with ronds de jambe par terre. Battement jete pique, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY pee-KAY]. Large battement thrown and pricked. A term of the Russian School. Same as grand battement fini pique. Battement jete pointe, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY pwen- TAY]. Large battement thrown and pointed. A term of the Russian School. Same as grand battement fini pique. Battement pique, petit [ puh-TEE bat-MAHN pee-KAY]. Little pricked battement. Degage the working foot to the second or fourth position a terre, then lift the toe slightly. Lower the foot, striking the pointed toes on the floor, then immediately raise the foot and close to the fifth position. See Battement tendu jete pointe. Battement pointe a terre, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN pwen-TAY a tehr]. Large battement pointed on the ground. A term of the French School. Same as grand battement fini pique. Battement raccourci [ bat-MAHN ra-koor-SEE]. Battement shortened. A term of the French School. Same as battement retire. Battement raccourci or retire, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ra-koor- SEE (or) ruh-tee-RAY]. Large battement shortened or withdrawn. The working leg executes a grand battement, then is immediately withdrawn to the knee with a sharp movement and lowered to the first or fifth position. This battement may be executed devant, a la seconde or derriere. Battement releve lent [ bat-MAHN ruhl-VAY lahn ]. Battement raised slowly. A term of the Russian School. From the fifth position slide the foot to pointe tendue to either the fourth or second position and slowly raise the outstretched leg with strongly pointed toes to 45 or 90 degrees or higher. Slowly lower the leg to pointe tendue and close it to the fifth position. Battement releve lent may be done in all directions. Battement retire [ bat-MAHN ruh-tee-RAY ]. Battement withdrawn or shortened. A term of the French School and the Cecchetti method. From the fifth position the working foot is lifted so that the toe is touching the hollow at the back of the knee of the supporting leg, and the thigh raised to the second position en Fair. With a staccato movement the foot is raised and lowered, alternating in the fifth position front and back, the accent being on the downward movement. This is a very useful exercise for warming up and is especially useful as a preparation for developpes, helping to lift the thigh well up and to turn out. Battement serre [ bat-MAHN seh-RAY\. Battement tightened continuously. A term of the French School. Same as battement battu. Battement soutenu, grand [grahn bat-MAHN soot-NEW]. Large battement sustained. From the fifth position the dancer does a grand battement forward, to the side or backward, simultaneously executing a demi- plie on the supporting leg. The supporting leg then straightens and the dancer rises on the demi-pointe as the working leg closes in the fifth position on demi-pointe. The movement is then repeated. Battement sur le cou-de-pied, petit [ puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY ]. Small battement on the ankle. This is an exercise at the bar in which the working foot is held sur le cou-de-pied and the lower part of the leg moves out and in, changing the foot from sur le cou-de-pied devant to sur le cou-de-pied derriere and vice versa. Petits battements are executed with the supporting foot a terre, sur la demi-pointe or sur la pointe. Battement sur le cou-de-pied, petit (Cecchetti method) [puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY]. The foot is held so that the side of the heel is just above the ankle bone of the supporting leg with all five toes on the floor as in the position sur la demi-pointe. In this position the foot is passed from sur le cou-de-pied devant to sur le cou-de-pied derriere with an action of the lower leg working from the knee as a stationary pivot. When the supporting foot is raised sur la demi-pointe, the toes of the working foot are forced downward. See Cou-de-pied, sur le (Cecchetti method). Battement sur le cou-de-pied, petit (Russian School) [puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY ]. The working foot is wrapped around the ankle of the supporting leg with the heel well forward and the toes pressed down and back. See Cou-de-pied, sur le (Russian School). Battement sur le talon, petit [ puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh ta- LAWN]. Small battement on the heel. Same as battement battu. Battement tendu [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW ]. Battement stretched. A battement tendu is the commencing portion and ending portion of a grand battement and is an exercise to force the insteps well outward. The working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position without lifting the toe from the ground. Both knees must be kept straight. When the foot reaches the position pointe tendue, it then returns to the first or fifth position. Battements tendus may also be done with a demi-plie in the first or fifth position. They should be practiced en croix. Battement tendu, double [ DOO-bluh bat-MAHN tahn-DEW ]. Double battement stretched. A term of the Russian School. Same as battement tendu releve. Battement tendu jete [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY]. Battement stretched and thrown. A term of the Russian School. Same as battement degage. Battement tendu jete balance [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY ba- lahn-SAY ]. Battement stretched, thrown and rocked. A term of the Russian School. Battements tendus jetes balances are a series of battements jetes in which the working leg sweeps forward and backward with a continuous movement through the first position at 25 degrees. Battement tendu jete balan^oire [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY ba-lahn-SWAHR ]. Battement stretched and thrown like a seesaw. Same as battement tendu jete balance. Battement tendu jete en cloche [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY ahn klawsh]. Battement stretched and thrown like a bell. Same as battement tendu jete balance. Battement tendu jete pointe [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY pwen- TAY]. Battement stretched, thrown and pointed. A term of the Russian School. Degage the working foot to the second or fourth position a terre, then lift the toe slightly and lower to the floor one or more times. The foot is then closed to the fifth position. See Battement pique, petit. Battement tendu pour batterie [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW poor bat- REE ]. Battement stretched for beaten steps. This type of battement tendu is an exercise done at the bar in preparation for the study of beats. The dancer transfers the working leg in front and in back of the supporting leg to a height of 45 degrees to the second position. Fifth position R foot front. Open the R leg to the second position with strongly pointed toes and stretched instep; immediately lower the R leg to the fifth position front, striking the calves and allowing the foot to flex with the R heel well forward. The leg rebounds slightly to the side with flexed foot, then beats the left calf in the back before being thrown to the second position with pointed toes and stretched instep. The movement is then reversed. The accent of the movement is in the strong rebound of the leg to second position at 45 degrees. The number of transfers depends on the step for which this exercise serves as a preparation. For assemble battu, one transfer is made; for entrechat, two or more are necessary. Battement tendu releve [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW ruhl-VAY ]. Battement stretched and raised. A term of the Cecchetti method. An exercise to develop the insteps. It is usually taken in the second position but may also be done to the fourth position. Fifth position R foot front. Degage the R foot to the second position, lower the R heel to the ground, re-arch the R foot to the pointe tendue position, close the R foot to the fifth position back. After the next degage the working foot will close in the front. Same as battement tendu, double (Russian School).](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/761138_fd1d48c5593e4e9786cfa3e82fd51cd9~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_1742,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/761138_fd1d48c5593e4e9786cfa3e82fd51cd9~mv2.png)
Battement [bat-MAHN]. Beating. A beating action of the extended or bent leg. There are two types of battements, grands battements and petits battements. The petis battements are: Battements tendus, degages, frappes and tendus releves: stretched, disengaged, struck and stretched-and-lifted.
Battement, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN]. Large battement. An exercise in which the working leg is raised from the hip into the air and brought down again, the accent being on the downward movement, both knees straight. This must be done with apparent ease, the rest of the body remaining quiet. The function of grands battements is to loosen the hip joints and turn out the legs from the hips. Grands battements can be taken devant, derriere and a la seconde. To execute a grand battement a la quatrieme devant start in the fifth position R foot front. In one sweeping movement, slide the R foot to the fourth position front (fourth position croise), pointe tendue, raise the foot to the fourth position front en Fair, lower the foot to the fourth position pointe tendue and slide the foot back to the fifth position front. Battements a la seconde and a la quatrieme derriere are done in the same manner. In the execution of grands battements a la seconde the working leg closes alternately in the fifth position front and back.
Battement, petit [puh-TEE bat-MAHN ]. Small battement. This is another term for a battement tendu. It is also a term for any small beating action of the foot or leg.
Battement arrondi [ bat-MAHN a-rawn-DEE]. Battement rounded. A term of the French School. The toes of the working foot describe a semicircle in the air on an oblique plane at 45 degrees, either en dedans or en dehors. For en dehors, extend the working leg forward and carry it around to the back and finish in the fifth position. For en dedans, reverse the movement.
Battement arrondi, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN a-rawn-DEE] . Large battement rounded. A term of the French School. This is a grand battement circled from the fifth position to the fifth position passing through all the open positions in the air at 90 degrees. The highest point of the battement is reached when the leg passes through the second position in the air. The battement is performed either en dedans or en dehors. Also known as “grand battement en rond.”
Battement arrondi en dedans, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN a-rawn- DEE ahn duh-DAHN]. Large battement rounded inward. The working foot starts in the fifth position back and in one sweeping movement passes through the positions a la quatrieme derriere en Fair, a la seconde en Fair, a la quatrieme devant en Fair, and closes in the fifth position front.
Battement arrondi en dehors, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN a-rawn- DEE ahn duh-AWR]. Large battement rounded outward. In this battement the working foot starts in the fifth position front and in one sweeping movement passes through the positions a la quatrieme devant en Fair, a la seconde en Fair, a la quatrieme derriere en Fair, and closes in the fifth position back.
Battement battu [ bat-MAHN ba-TEW]. Battement beaten. The R foot is placed in the position sur le cou-de-pied devant or derriere and the R toe beats against the L ankle with a series of quick little taps, using the lower part of the leg from the knee down. Battements battus are performed as an exercise at the barre on the point or demi-pointe. They are also performed by the danseuse on point supported by her partner.
Battement degage [ bat-MAHN day-ga-ZHAY]. Disengaged battement. A term of the Cecchetti method. The battement degage is similar to the battement tendu but is done at twice the speed and the working foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe, then slides back into the the first or fifth position. Battements degages strengthen the toes, develop the instep and improve the flexibility of the ankle joint. Same as battement tendu jete (Russian School), battement glisse (French School).
Battement developpe [ bat-MAHN dayv-law-PAY ]. Battement developed. From the fifth position the working foot glides up to the retire position and forcefully opens in the required direction. On reaching the extreme point the leg is lowered into the fifth position. This exercise is usually done en croix.
Battement developpe tombe [ bat-MAHN dayv-law-PAY tawn-BAY]. Battement developed and falling down. This battement is done as an exercise at the bar or in the center adagio. It is done en avant, en arriere and de cote in the directions croise, efface and ecarte. Fifth position R foot front; developpe the R leg to the fourth position front, rising on the L demi-pointe: fall forward into a deep lunge on the R leg with the L leg extended back on the floor pointe tendue; transfer the weight back to the L foot and repeat the exercise in the desired direction.
Battement en cloche, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ahn klawsh] . Large battement like a bell. A term of the French School and the Cecchetti method. Grands battements en cloche are continuous grands battements executed from the fourth position front or back en Fair to the fourth position back or front en Fair, passing through the first position. Same as grand battement jete balance, but the body remains upright as the leg swings.
Battement en cloche, petit [puh-TEE bat-MAHN ahn klawsh]. Small battement like a bell. Same as battement tendu jete balance.
Battement en croix, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ahn krwah]. Large battement in the form of a cross. First a grand battement is done en quatrieme devant, followed by a grand battement a la seconde closing in the fifth position back. Then a grand battement a la quatrieme derriere, followed by a grand battement a la seconde closing in the fifth position front.
Battement en rond, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ahn rawn]. Same as grand battement arrondi.
Battement fini pique, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN fee-NEE pee-KAY]. Large battement finished in pique. A term of the French School. This battement begins with a grand battement but the foot does not return to the fifth position. The extended leg is lowered to the floor pointe tendue in either the second or fourth position. The foot is raised from this position and continues the movement, returning to the fifth position at the completion of the last battement. Also called “grand battement jete pointe.”
Battement fondu [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW] . Battement, sinking down. This is an exercise in which the supporting leg is slowly bent in fondu with the working foot pointing on the ankle. As the supporting leg is straightened, the working leg unfolds and is extended to point on the floor or in the air. The movement is done devant, derriere and a la seconde. In fondu forward, the conditional position sur le cou-de-pied devant is used. In fondu back, the basic position sur le cou-de-pied derriere is used.
Battement fondu, double [DOO-bluh bat-MAHN fawn-DEW]. Double battement fondu. A term of the Russian School. The step consists of two fondus. The first fondu and releve is taken with the working foot sur le cou-de- pied, then the working leg stretches in the given direction at 45 or 90 degrees while the supporting leg bends in demi-plie and straightens with a rise to the demi-pointe.
Battement fondu developpe [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW dayv-law-PAY ]. Battement fondu developed. This is performed in the same manner as battement fondu simple {q.v). As the supporting leg straightens, the working leg does a developpe at either 45 or 90 degrees. If the developpe is at 45 degrees, the working leg opens from sur le cou-de-pied. If the developpe is at 90 degrees, the working leg is brought from sur le cou-de-pied to retire, then opens in the desired direction as the supporting knee straightens. The leg moves evenly until reaching the angle of 45 or 90 degrees and is sustained momentarily in the extended position before slowly returning to sur le cou-de- pied as the supporting leg executes a demi-plie.
Battement fondu developpe releve [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW dayv- law-PAY ruhl-VAY ]. Battement fondu developed and raised. This is performed in the same manner as battement fondu developpe. As the supporting leg straightens, the dancer rises to the demi-pointe and performs a developpe at 45 or 90 degrees.
Battement fondu simple [bat-MAHN fawn-DEW SEN-pluh]. Simple battement fondu. From the fifth position the R foot moves to sur le cou-de- pied devant while the L leg does a demi-plie, then the R leg opens forward with a small developpe to the fourth position front, pointing the toe on the ground as the L leg straightens. The R foot returns to sur le cou-de-pied and the movement is repeated to the second position and to the fourth position back. In the latter case, the foot passes sur le cou-de-pied derriere. The knee is not raised and the leg is not lifted in battement fondu simple.
Battement fouette [bat-MAHN fweh-TAY]. Whipped battement. From the second position en Fair, the working foot is swept across the floor so that the pointed toes strike the floor, finishing in a pointed position in front or back of the ankle of the supporting leg. Flic-flac; Fouette, petit; Fouette a terre.
Battement frappe [bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. Struck battement. An exercise in which the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front, side or back. This exercise strengthens the toes and insteps and develops the power of elevation. It is the basis of the allegro step, the jete.
Battement frappe (Cecchetti method) [bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. The working foot is placed sur le cou-de-pied devant with the knee bent, all five oes resting on the floor sur la demi-pointe, and the face of the heel touching the supporting leg just above the ankle joint. With a strong movement from the knee, the foot is thrust out to the second position, striking the ball of the foot on the floor and rising several inches off the floor in a strong point. The foot is then returned to the original position sur le cou-de-pied, sliding behind the supporting leg without striking the ground. The movement is repeated alternately devant and derriere with the strong accent in the second position. Battement frappe may also be executed to the fourth position devant or derriere. It is also performed with the supporting leg sur la demi-pointe.
Battement frappe (French School) [ bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. From the second position pointe tendue, the working foot beats the supporting leg sur le cou-de-pied devant or derriere in the wrapped position.
Battement frappe (Russian School) [bat-MAHN fra-PAY]. The movement starts with the working foot pointed in the second position. The working foot beats the supporting leg sur le cou-de-pied devant in either the wrapped or pointed position. Then, with a strong movement from the knee, the foot is thrust out to the second position, with the toe pointed. The foot then returns sur le cou-de-pied derriere. The movement is repeated alternately with the strong accent in the second position. Battement frappe may also be executed en croix. It is also performed with the supporting leg sur la demi- pointe.
Battement frappe double [bat-MAHN fra-PAY DOO-bluh]. Double battement struck. This is similar to the battement frappe, except that the foot beats sur le cou-de-pied devant and then passes sur le cou-de-pied derriere before being extended in the first battement frappe. The next beating will be sur le cou-de-pied derriere and then sur le cou-de-pied devant before the extension in the second position. Battements frappes doubles are usually done immediately after a series of battements frappes.
Battement frappe pointe [ bat-MAHN fra-PAY pwen-TAY]. Battement struck and pointed. The movement starts in the second position with the working foot pointe tendue. The working foot beats the supporting leg sur le cou-de-pied devant, then is extended to the second position pointe tendu a terre. The foot returns sur le cou-de-pied derriere and the movement is repeated alternately with the strong accent in the pointed position. Battements frappes pointes may also be executed en croix. They may also be done with a releve on the supporting leg. In this case, the supporting heel is lowered into a demi-plie as the working foot points in the open position and is raised as the working foot beats sur le cou-de-pied. See Battement frappe.
Battement frappe pointe double [ bat-MAHN fra-PAY pwen-TAY DOO-bluh ]. Double battement struck and pointed. The working foot beats sur le cou-de-pied devant and derriere, or vice versa, before being extended in the open position pointe tendue a terre.
Battement glisse [ bat-MAHN glee-SAY]. Battement glided or slipped. A term of the French School. Same as battement degage, battement tendu jete.
Battement jete, grand [grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY]. Large battement thrown. A term of the Russian School for a grand battement.
Battement jete balance, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY ba-lahn- SAY]. Large battement thrown and rocked. A term of the Russian School. Grands battements jetes balances are a series of grands battements executed with a continuous swinging movement through the first position to the fourth position front and back (or vice versa) to an angle of 90 degrees or more. As the leg is thrown forcefully forward, the body leans backward; then, as the leg is thrown backward, the body leans forward.
Battement jete balan^oire, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY ba- lahn-SWAHR]. Large battement thrown and like a seesaw. A term of the Russian School. Same as battement jete balance, grand.
Battement jete passe, grand [grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY pa-SAY], Large battement thrown and passed. A term of the Russian School. The working leg is thrown forward at 90 degrees or higher with the body inclining slightly backward. The leg then bends with the thigh well turned out to the side. The pointed toe, with heel well forward, passes the supporting knee and the body comes erect. The leg then extends backward at 90 degrees or higher with the body inclining forward; the leg is then lowered and the body straightens before the movement is repeated. The movement may also be reversed. This battement may be combined with other grands battements jetes or combined with ronds de jambe par terre.
Battement jete pique, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY pee-KAY]. Large battement thrown and pricked. A term of the Russian School. Same as grand battement fini pique.
Battement jete pointe, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN zhuh-TAY pwen- TAY]. Large battement thrown and pointed. A term of the Russian School. Same as grand battement fini pique.
Battement pique, petit [ puh-TEE bat-MAHN pee-KAY]. Little pricked battement. Degage the working foot to the second or fourth position a terre, then lift the toe slightly. Lower the foot, striking the pointed toes on the floor, then immediately raise the foot and close to the fifth position. See Battement tendu jete pointe.
Battement pointe a terre, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN pwen-TAY a tehr]. Large battement pointed on the ground. A term of the French School. Same as grand battement fini pique.
Battement raccourci [ bat-MAHN ra-koor-SEE]. Battement shortened. A term of the French School. Same as battement retire.
Battement raccourci or retire, grand [ grahn bat-MAHN ra-koor- SEE (or) ruh-tee-RAY]. Large battement shortened or withdrawn. The working leg executes a grand battement, then is immediately withdrawn to the knee with a sharp movement and lowered to the first or fifth position. This battement may be executed devant, a la seconde or derriere.
Battement releve lent [ bat-MAHN ruhl-VAY lahn ]. Battement raised slowly. A term of the Russian School. From the fifth position slide the foot to pointe tendue to either the fourth or second position and slowly raise the outstretched leg with strongly pointed toes to 45 or 90 degrees or higher. Slowly lower the leg to pointe tendue and close it to the fifth position. Battement releve lent may be done in all directions.
Battement retire [ bat-MAHN ruh-tee-RAY ]. Battement withdrawn or shortened. A term of the French School and the Cecchetti method. From the fifth position the working foot is lifted so that the toe is touching the hollow at the back of the knee of the supporting leg, and the thigh raised to the second position en Fair. With a staccato movement the foot is raised and lowered, alternating in the fifth position front and back, the accent being on the downward movement. This is a very useful exercise for warming up and is especially useful as a preparation for developpes, helping to lift the thigh well up and to turn out.
Battement serre [ bat-MAHN seh-RAY\. Battement tightened continuously. A term of the French School. Same as battement battu.
Battement soutenu, grand [grahn bat-MAHN soot-NEW]. Large battement sustained. From the fifth position the dancer does a grand battement forward, to the side or backward, simultaneously executing a demi- plie on the supporting leg. The supporting leg then straightens and the dancer rises on the demi-pointe as the working leg closes in the fifth position on demi-pointe. The movement is then repeated.
Battement sur le cou-de-pied, petit [ puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY ]. Small battement on the ankle. This is an exercise at the bar in which the working foot is held sur le cou-de-pied and the lower part of the leg moves out and in, changing the foot from sur le cou-de-pied devant to sur le cou-de-pied derriere and vice versa. Petits battements are executed with the supporting foot a terre, sur la demi-pointe or sur la pointe.
Battement sur le cou-de-pied, petit (Cecchetti method) [puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY]. The foot is held so that the side of the heel is just above the ankle bone of the supporting leg with all five toes on the floor as in the position sur la demi-pointe. In this position the foot is passed from sur le cou-de-pied devant to sur le cou-de-pied derriere with an action of the lower leg working from the knee as a stationary pivot. When the supporting foot is raised sur la demi-pointe, the toes of the working foot are forced downward. See Cou-de-pied, sur le (Cecchetti method).
Battement sur le cou-de-pied, petit (Russian School) [puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh koo-duh-PYAY ]. The working foot is wrapped around the ankle of the supporting leg with the heel well forward and the toes pressed down and back. See Cou-de-pied, sur le (Russian School).
Battement sur le talon, petit [ puh-TEE bat-MAHN sewr luh ta- LAWN]. Small battement on the heel. Same as battement battu.
Battement tendu [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW ]. Battement stretched. A battement tendu is the commencing portion and ending portion of a grand battement and is an exercise to force the insteps well outward. The working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position without lifting the toe from the ground. Both knees must be kept straight. When the foot reaches the position pointe tendue, it then returns to the first or fifth position. Battements tendus may also be done with a demi-plie in the first or fifth position. They should be practiced en croix.
Battement tendu, double [ DOO-bluh bat-MAHN tahn-DEW ]. Double battement stretched. A term of the Russian School. Same as battement tendu releve.
Battement tendu jete [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY]. Battement stretched and thrown. A term of the Russian School. Same as battement degage.
Battement tendu jete balance [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY ba- lahn-SAY ]. Battement stretched, thrown and rocked. A term of the Russian School. Battements tendus jetes balances are a series of battements jetes in which the working leg sweeps forward and backward with a continuous movement through the first position at 25 degrees.
Battement tendu jete balan^oire [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY ba-lahn-SWAHR ]. Battement stretched and thrown like a seesaw. Same as battement tendu jete balance.
Battement tendu jete en cloche [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY ahn klawsh]. Battement stretched and thrown like a bell. Same as battement tendu jete balance.
Battement tendu jete pointe [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW zhuh-TAY pwen- TAY]. Battement stretched, thrown and pointed. A term of the Russian School. Degage the working foot to the second or fourth position a terre, then lift the toe slightly and lower to the floor one or more times. The foot is then closed to the fifth position. See Battement pique, petit.
Battement tendu pour batterie [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW poor bat- REE ]. Battement stretched for beaten steps. This type of battement tendu is an exercise done at the bar in preparation for the study of beats. The dancer transfers the working leg in front and in back of the supporting leg to a height of 45 degrees to the second position. Fifth position R foot front. Open the R leg to the second position with strongly pointed toes and stretched instep; immediately lower the R leg to the fifth position front, striking the calves and allowing the foot to flex with the R heel well forward. The leg rebounds slightly to the side with flexed foot, then beats the left calf in the back before being thrown to the second position with pointed toes and stretched instep. The movement is then reversed. The accent of the movement is in the strong rebound of the leg to second position at 45 degrees. The number of transfers depends on the step for which this exercise serves as a preparation. For assemble battu, one transfer is made; for entrechat, two or more are necessary.
Battement tendu releve [ bat-MAHN tahn-DEW ruhl-VAY ]. Battement stretched and raised. A term of the Cecchetti method. An exercise to develop the insteps. It is usually taken in the second position but may also be done to the fourth position. Fifth position R foot front. Degage the R foot to the second position, lower the R heel to the ground, re-arch the R foot to the pointe tendue position, close the R foot to the fifth position back. After the next degage the working foot will close in the front. Same as battement tendu, double (Russian School).
