Barre Exercises Part 1

The first set of definitions for our basic barre exercises we are doing in class. 

Demi-plié [duh-MEE-plee-AY] Half-bend of the knees. Grand-plié [grahn-plee-AY] Full bending of the knees (the knees should be bent until the thighs are horizontal). Tundu [tahn-DEW] The working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position with lifting the toe from the ground, it then returns to the first or fifth position.  Dégagé [bat-MAHN day-ga-ZHAY] The working foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe, then slides back into the first of fifth position. Piqué  [pee-KAY]  The working foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe pricks the floor with the big toe and slides back into the first or fifth position. Ront de jambe [rawn duh zhahnb] Round of the leg, that is, a circular movement of the leg. Frappé [bat-MAHN fra-PAY] An exercise in which the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front, side or back.  Battement, Grand [grahn bat-MAHN] An exercise in which the working leg is raised from the hip hop into the air and brought down again, the accent being on the downward movement, both knees straight.  Here is a video so you can see each of these being done: Hope this helps! See you in class. -Alesha