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.