Dance Dictionary: Arriere, Avant

“The vocabulary and manner of classical ballet express a high order of discipline and restraint, a sense of harmony with forces larger and more lasting than the individual.”

- Marsha B. Siegel

Dancing at the barre can be done in two different rotations, forward and backward. A teacher will indicate by referring to them in their technical ballet terms of arriere and avant. It is important to distinguish the difference, because they will set and complete the combination.

Arrière, en [ah na-RYEHR]

Means to go backward. Used to indicate that a step is executed moving away from the audience.

And on the completely opposite side of the spectrum…

Avant, en [ah na-VAHN]

Avant means to the front or Forward. A direction for the execution of a step. Used to indicate that a given step is executed moving forward, toward the audience.

Learning, knowing and understanding these two simple ballet terms will discipline a dancer to complete them appropriately when given a barre or ballet combination.

~Julia Brewer