Which term describes a turn in the air?

Which term describes a turn in the air?

• A. Jeté
• B. Retiré
• C. Tour en l'air
• D. Plié

Answer: (C)

This item tests knowledge of ballet terminology for jumps and turns, specifically what term names a turn performed in the air. Tour en l’air describes a turning jump executed while airborne—the dancer leaves the ground, rotates in the air, and then lands, often completing a full rotation. Jeté is simply a leap from one foot to the other, without a defined turn in the air. Retiré is a positional pose with the working leg drawn to the knee, not a mid-air turn. Plié is a bend of the knees used to prepare or rebound, not a turning movement in the air. So, when you hear “turn in the air,” the term that fits best is Tour en l’air.

This item tests knowledge of ballet terminology for jumps and turns, specifically what term names a turn performed in the air. Tour en l’air describes a turning jump executed while airborne—the dancer leaves the ground, rotates in the air, and then lands, often completing a full rotation. Jeté is simply a leap from one foot to the other, without a defined turn in the air. Retiré is a positional pose with the working leg drawn to the knee, not a mid-air turn. Plié is a bend of the knees used to prepare or rebound, not a turning movement in the air. So, when you hear “turn in the air,” the term that fits best is Tour en l’air.