Ailes de pigeon (el duh pee-ZHAWN). Pigeon's wings. The dancer performs a cabriole devant, then the legs change and beat again, then change once more before the dancer lands on the leg he or she jumped from, leaving the other leg extended in the air. Also known as "pistolet".
Air, en l' (ahn lehr). In the air. Indicates: (1) that a movement is to be made in the air; for example rond de jambe en l'air; (2) that the working leg, after being opened to the second or fourth position a terre, is to be raised to a horizontal position with the toe on the level of the hip.
Alignment Directions or body alignment.
Allegro (a-lay-GROH; Italian: ah-LAY-groh). Brisk, lively. A temp applied to all bright and brisk movements. All steps of elevation such as the entrachat, cabriole, assemble, jete and so on, come under this classification. The majority of dances, both solo and group, are built on allegro. The most important qualities to aim at in allegro are lightness, smoothness and ballon.
Allonge, allongee (a-lawn-ZHAY). Extended, outstretched. As, for example, in arabesque allongee.

Adage, Adagio (French: a-DAHZH). Adage is a French word derived from the Italian ad agio, meaning at ease or leisure. English ballet teachers use "adage", the French adaptation, while Americans prefer the original Italian. In dancing it has two meanings: 1) a series of exercises following the center practice, consisting of a succession of slow and graceful movements which may be simple or of the most complex character, performed with fluidity and apparent ease. These exercises develop a sustaining power, sense of line, balance and the beautiful poise which enables the dancer to perform with majesty and grace. The principal steps of adagio are plies, developpes, grand fouette en tournant, degages, grand rond de jambe, rond de jambe en l'air, coupes, battements tendus, attitudes, arabesques, preparations for pirouettes and all types of pirouettes. The opening section of the classical pas de deux, in which the ballerina, assisted by her male partner, performs the slow movements and enlevements in which the danseur lifts, supports or carries the danseur.