What does “Dehors, en” mean in ballet?
( ; 'outwards.') Circular movement where a leg that starts at the front or the side moves towards the back. For a right working leg, this is a clockwise circle. For example, in a rond de jambe en dehors , starting from first position , the foot (either left or right) would first extend tendu front, move to tendu to the side, and then tendu back, and back in again to first position. In a pirouette en dehors , the body turns in the direction of the working leg (the leg raised in retiré passé ). Opposite of en dedans .
See also
New to ballet? Read our ballet guide — history, the five positions, class structure and how adults can start.
Definition adapted from Glossary of ballet on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Nearby terms
Danseur
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Dedans, en
( ; 'inwards.') Inside movement. Circular movement where a leg that starts at the back or …
Demi
( ; meaning 'half.') Applied to plié , pointe , and other movements or positions to indica…
Demi-détourné
A pivoted half turn executed on both feet. For example, if starting right foot front in fi…
Demi-pointe
Supporting one's body weight on the balls of one or both feet, heels raised off the floor.…
Derrière
( ; literally 'behind.') At or to the back. For example, a battement tendu derrière is a b…