Ballet Terminology for Beginners: What You Need to Know

Confused by ballet class lingo? This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the essential terms so you can move with confidence.

Starting ballet as an adult is exciting, but the terminology can sometimes feel like a different language – because often, it is. With most terms rooted in French, it’s perfectly normal to feel unsure at first. The good news is that you don’t need to memorise everything on day one. A few key terms will take you a long way.

Here’s a helpful glossary of common ballet terms, complete with pronunciation tips and clear examples to help you feel at home in class.

Essential Ballet Terms for Beginners

Demi-plie in first position

1. Plié (plee-AY) – to bend
A smooth bending of the knees, keeping heels on the floor (in demi-plié) or lifting them (in grand plié). Pliés are generally at the start of most ballet classes so you’ll get very used to hearing this one!
✅ Example: Start each exercise with a plié to warm up your legs and align your posture.

2. Tendu (tohn-DEW) – to stretch
Sliding one foot along the floor until it’s fully extended, with toes pointed.
✅ Example: A tendu can be done to the front, side, or back and helps with control and leg strength.

3. Fondu (fon-DOO) – to melt
Essentially a plié on one leg – creating a soft, melting motion.
✅ Example: A fondu helps with control and fluidity during transitions.

4. Glissé (glee-SAY) – to glide
A quick brush of the foot slightly off the floor, like a faster, sharper tendu.
✅ Example: Often used in warm-ups to build speed and precision.

5. Ronde de jambe (ron duh ZHAHM) – circle of the leg
A circular movement of the leg, usually performed on the floor (à terre) or in the air (en l’air).
✅ Example: Used to build hip flexibility and control. Often seen at the barre.

6. Grand battement (grahn bat-MAHN) – big beat
A large, high kick of the working leg while keeping the upper body controlled and still.
✅ Example: Helps develop strength and flexibility in the legs.

Developpe devant

7. Développé (day-vel-oh-PAY) – to develop
The working leg is drawn up to the knee, then extended slowly to the front, side, or back.
✅ Example: Commonly used in adagio sections to build strength and control.

8. Port de bras (por duh BRAH) – carriage of the arms
The graceful movement of the arms through various positions.
✅ Example: You might hear ‘port de bras forward’ in class, which means to bend from the waist with arms flowing forward.

9. Relevé (rel-uh-VAY) – to rise
Rising onto the balls of the feet from flat.
✅ Example: Practise relevés to build ankle strength and balance.

10. Passé (pa-SAY) – to pass
The working foot passes up to the knee of the standing leg, forming a triangle shape. Also known as retiré (re-tir-RAY) - depending on which style of ballet your teacher uses.
✅ Example: A common position in pirouettes (turns).

Bonus Tips for Learning Ballet Vocabulary

• Listen and repeat: Say the terms aloud as you learn them – it helps lock in pronunciation and meaning.

• Visual cues: Pairing each term with a physical action will help you remember them more easily.

• Stay curious: Ask your teacher when you're unsure. No one expects you to know everything straight away.

FAQs

Do I need to speak French to do ballet?
Absolutely not. Most ballet classes use a mixture of French and English, and your teacher will explain the terms as you go.

How many terms do I need to know to get started?
Start with a few basics like plié, tendu, and port de bras. You'll build your vocabulary naturally as you progress.

What if I forget a term in class?
No worries – most beginners do! Just follow along visually, and it will start to feel more familiar over time.

Want to see these in action?
Our Ballet Fusion teachers use a mixture of terminology in french and explaining in english, making it easy for beginners to build confidence.