The term denotes a position or movement in ballet where the leg is extended to the side, directly to the second position. This extension occurs with the leg perpendicular to the body. For example, a dancer might perform a grand battement or a pirouette with the leg held in this lateral extension.
This specific pose and movement element is fundamental to classical ballet technique. It provides a foundation for balance, control, and the execution of more complex steps. Historically, its incorporation into ballet codified the aesthetic principles of outward rotation and expansive lines that characterize the art form.
