Final answer:
The term "en l'air" in ballet refers to movements where the dancer's working leg is raised and performed in the air. This technique showcases the dancer's elegance and agility and is a fundamental aspect of ballet performances.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ballet, the term "en l'air" (pronounced ahn lehr) indicates a movement that is performed in the air. This means that the dancer executes a particular step or movement with the working leg raised off the ground, typically at varying heights.
For instance, a dancer may do a jeté en l'air, which involves jumping from one foot and then landing on the other, with the working leg being thrown en l'air during the leap. The elegance and agility required for such movements are crucial in ballet and are celebrated in the depiction of dancers in artworks, such as those painted by Degas, where the light and airy feel of the dancers is contrasted against the more solid background of the scenery.