Which term translates to 'To bend'?

Which term translates to 'To bend'?

• A. Tourner
• B. Relever
• C. Plier
• D. Glisser

Answer: (C)

Understanding basic French ballet verbs helps you read the vocabulary used in Cecchetti steps. To bend is expressed by the verb plier; in ballet you commonly hear the noun/verb form plié to describe the bending action of the knees. So the infinitive plier translates to “to bend.” The other terms point to different actions: tourner means to turn, relever means to rise or lift up onto demi-pointe or pointe, and glisser means to glide.

Understanding basic French ballet verbs helps you read the vocabulary used in Cecchetti steps. To bend is expressed by the verb plier; in ballet you commonly hear the noun/verb form plié to describe the bending action of the knees. So the infinitive plier translates to “to bend.”

The other terms point to different actions: tourner means to turn, relever means to rise or lift up onto demi-pointe or pointe, and glisser means to glide.