Which term translates to 'To the second'?

Which term translates to 'To the second'?

• A. croisé derrière
• B. Autour de la salle
• C. Écarté
• D. A la seconde

Answer: (D)

In ballet vocabulary, the phrase that means moving the working leg to the second position is à la seconde. Second position is the shape with the legs open to the side, often with the arms held in or near second position as appropriate. So this instruction directs the dancer to place or extend the leg into that side position, which is exactly what “to the second” describes. The other phrases describe different ideas: one means crossing the body behind, another means traveling around the room, and another indicates an open position to the side. None of those convey moving the leg to the second position, making à la seconde the correct term.

In ballet vocabulary, the phrase that means moving the working leg to the second position is à la seconde. Second position is the shape with the legs open to the side, often with the arms held in or near second position as appropriate. So this instruction directs the dancer to place or extend the leg into that side position, which is exactly what “to the second” describes.

The other phrases describe different ideas: one means crossing the body behind, another means traveling around the room, and another indicates an open position to the side. None of those convey moving the leg to the second position, making à la seconde the correct term.