Soutenu means?

Soutenu means?

• A. Quick
• B. Smooth
• C. Shortened
• D. Sustained

Answer: (D)

Soutenu means sustained or held. In Cecchetti terms, it signals a movement with a smooth, continuous line that is kept for a moment rather than rushed or snapped. The dancer maintains control through the transition, creating a long, connected shape with the working leg and the supporting leg, and may pause briefly at the end of the phrase before moving on. This is why sustained is the best match. Quick movements break the hold, shortened lines cut the duration, and while smooth describes quality, soutenu specifically emphasizes the held, continuous nature of the motion.

Soutenu means sustained or held. In Cecchetti terms, it signals a movement with a smooth, continuous line that is kept for a moment rather than rushed or snapped. The dancer maintains control through the transition, creating a long, connected shape with the working leg and the supporting leg, and may pause briefly at the end of the phrase before moving on. This is why sustained is the best match. Quick movements break the hold, shortened lines cut the duration, and while smooth describes quality, soutenu specifically emphasizes the held, continuous nature of the motion.