Ballet Terms

Adagio

What does “Adagio” mean in ballet?

Italian, or French adage , meaning 'slowly, at ease.' Slow movements performed with fluidity and grace. One of the typical exercises of a traditional ballet class, done both at barre and in center, featuring slow, controlled movements. The section of a grand pas (e.g., grand pas de deux ), often referred to as grand adage , that features dance partnering .

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Definition adapted from Glossary of ballet on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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