What does Arabesque mean?

What does Arabesque mean?

• A. A long extended line with one leg in the back
• B. Step of the cat
• C. Large beating
• D. Lifted movement

Answer: (A)

Arabesque is a ballet position where you stand on one leg while the other leg is extended straight behind the body, creating a long, continuous line. In Cecchetti technique, the supporting leg is fully turned out and straight, the working leg is pointed and extended from the hip, and the torso lengthens to keep balance, with the arms shaping and supporting the line. This description of a long extended line with the leg behind best captures the essence of Arabesque. The other ideas describe different movements—pas de chat (step of the cat), a grand battement or beating action, or a general lifted movement—rather than the specific extended-back line that defines Arabesque.

Arabesque is a ballet position where you stand on one leg while the other leg is extended straight behind the body, creating a long, continuous line. In Cecchetti technique, the supporting leg is fully turned out and straight, the working leg is pointed and extended from the hip, and the torso lengthens to keep balance, with the arms shaping and supporting the line. This description of a long extended line with the leg behind best captures the essence of Arabesque. The other ideas describe different movements—pas de chat (step of the cat), a grand battement or beating action, or a general lifted movement—rather than the specific extended-back line that defines Arabesque.