2 3 Terminology Tuesday Talon | Ballet Webb

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Terminology Tuesday Talon



Terminology Tuesday Talon

Most dancers are familiar with battement serré or battement battu. It is the quick little beating action of the foot often performed during a frappe exercise. It is also famously seen at the end of the White Swan pas de deux in the 2nd act of Swan Lake (see the Link of the Day below).

Another name for this step that is seldom used is battement sur le talon. The word talon means “heel” but is also associated with birds of prey and their claws, or talons they have on their feet. Perhaps this association is why we don’t hear the French term talon used too often in ballet.

The definition of battement sur le talon from Gail Grant’s book is: “The right foot is placed in the position sur de cou-de-pied devant and the right toe beats against the left ankle with a series of quick little taps, using the lower part of the leg from the knee down.”

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Secret #10h:
“Battement sur le talon is the same as battement battu or battement serré.”

Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” 
― 
Robert Lynd

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