CROISE Meaning and
Definition
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Croisé is a French term that is commonly used in ballet terminology. Derived from the verb "croiser," which means "to cross," it refers to a specific body movement or position. In ballet, croisé generally describes the alignment of the dancer's body. When a dancer performs croisé, their legs are crossed, with one leg crossing in front of the other. This creates a diagonal line with one shoulder and arm positioned towards the audience, while the other shoulder and arm are angled towards an offstage corner.
The croisé position is considered one of the five basic positions in ballet, and it is often used as a starting position in choreography and as a fundamental technique in many ballet movements, such as pirouettes and développés. The crossed stance of the legs and the contrasting alignment of the upper body creates an elegant and visually appealing effect, enhancing the lines and shapes created by the dancer.
In addition to the physical position, croisé can also refer to a movement where a dancer crosses their legs while jumping or executing turns in the air. This can occur in various ballet jumps, such as soubresaut or assemblé, and requires the dancer to quickly and gracefully cross their legs while maintaining balance and control.
Overall, the term croisé embodies the concept of crossing in ballet, whether it refers to the alignment of the body in a specific position or the act of crossing the legs during jumps or turns.
Common Misspellings for CROISE
Etymology of CROISE
The word "croise" comes from the French language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old French word "croisier", which was derived from the Latin word "cruciarius". "Cruciarius" originally referred to a person who carried or followed a cross. In Medieval times, it specifically denoted a warrior who fought in the Crusades, carrying a cross as a symbol. Over time, the word evolved, and in French, "croise" came to describe a type of sword, characterized by its cruciform hilt. In contemporary usage, "croise" is primarily used in the context of fencing, referring to a particular type of sword technique.
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