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 Adage,
Adagio
[French: a-DAHZH]
Adage is a French word derived from
the Italian ad agio, meaning at
ease or leisure. English ballet
teachers use "adage,"
the French adaptation, while
Americans prefer the original
Italian. In dancing it has
two meanings: (1) A series
of exercises following the
centre practice, consisting of
a succession of slow and graceful
movements which may be simple
or of the most complex character,
performed with fluidity
and apparent ease. These exercises
develop a sustaining power,
sense of line, balance and the
beautiful poise which enables the
dancer to perform with majesty
and grace. The principal steps
of adagio are pliés, développés,
grand
fouetté en tournant, dégagés,
grand rond
de jambe, rond
de jambe en l'air, coupés,
battements tendus, attitudes,
arabesques, preparations
for pirouettes and all types
of pirouettes. (2) The opening
section of the classical pas
de deux, in which the ballerina
assisted by her male partner,
performs the slow movements
and enlèvements in
which the danseur lifts, supports
or carries the danseuse. The
danseuse thus supported exhibits
her grace, line and perfect
balance while executing développés,
pirouettes,
arabesques and so on, and
achieves combinations of steps
and poses which would be impossible
without the aid of her partner.
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