BATTEMENTS

[bat-MAHN]

BEATS (AS IN TEMPO/RHYTHM)

“The word battement, in ballet terminology, denotes the outward movement of the leg and its return. In classical ballet, this outward and inward movement has developed into many forms. In considering these forms, we shall become familiar with the essence of this movement.” (p65) Vaganova, A. Foundations of Classical Ballet; original 1948 edition. Rome : Gremese, 2021.

“The drawing out of the working leg in one or another direction and its return to the supporting leg is, in choreographic terminology, called a battement. This drawing out of the leg can be from a stretched position or from a bent to a stretched position, and the return of the leg can be to either a stretched or a bent position. Each kind of battement has its own form and its own name.” (p70) Kostrovitskaya, V. & Pisarev, A. School of Classical Dance. Bodmin, Cornwall : MPG Books LTD, 1995.

“The denomination ‘battements' is applied to many exercises of the classical dance. Literally, it means "beating' or beat; but here it refers to movements of the working leg. As a rule, the word battement is followed by another word, defining the character of the movement.“ (p13) Bazarova, N. & Mey, V. Alphabet of Classical Dance. Cecil Court, London : Dance Books LTD, 1987.

“Beating. A beating action of the extended or bent leg. There are two types of battements, grands battements and petits battements. The petis [sic] battements are: Battements tendus, dégagés, frappés and tendus relevés: stretched, disengaged, struck and stretched-and-lifted.” (p15) Grant, G. Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet; third revised edition. Garden City, NY : Dover, 1982.

“Battements are the movements of one leg in the air while the other supports the body. There are three kinds, viz., grand battements, petits battements, and petits battements on the instep.” (p19) Blasis, C. An Elementary Treatise Upon the Theory and Practice of The Art of Dancing, from 1820 first edition. New York : Dover, 1968.

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