Final answer:
A battement is a beating action of the leg in ballet, and there are several different types including the battement tendu, glissé or dégagé, frappé, fondu, and grand battement, with the battement tendu being the most fundamental.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition and Types of Battements in Ballet
In ballet, a battement is a beating action of the extended or bent leg. There are many different types of battements, each serving a unique purpose in ballet technique and choreography. The most fundamental battement is the battement tendu, where the dancer extends the leg to the front, side, or back while keeping the toes on the floor, effectively 'tending' or stretching the leg.
Different Types of Battements
- Battement Tendu: The leg is extended along the floor with the foot fully pointed.
- Battement Glissé or Dégagé: Similar to a battement tendu, but the foot slightly leaves the floor.
- Battement Frappé: Involves a strike of the foot against the floor.
- Battement Fondu: Both legs bend (fondu means to melt) and then one leg extends to an open position.
- Battement Grand Battement: The leg lifts up into the air as high as possible, maintaining a straight knee.
Each of these battements serves to strengthen the legs and increase flexibility, as well as being aesthetically central to the art form.