Which term in ballet terminology means 'neck of the foot'?

Which term in ballet terminology means 'neck of the foot'?

• A. Cou de pied
• B. En bas
• C. En croix
• D. Passe

Answer: (A)

Cou de pied is the term that refers to the neck of the foot—the foot is wrapped around the ankle with the blade of the foot resting against the leg, creating a neat, controlled line around the ankle. This exact idea of wrapping and positioning around the ankle is what the phrase denotes, and you’ll see it used when the foot is placed around the ankle in preparation for pointe or to maintain a clean line in an extended line. In contrast, en bas means a low position, en croix describes movements or patterns done in a cross shape (front–side–back–side), and passé refers to the working foot passing the knee or ankle into a higher position.

Cou de pied is the term that refers to the neck of the foot—the foot is wrapped around the ankle with the blade of the foot resting against the leg, creating a neat, controlled line around the ankle. This exact idea of wrapping and positioning around the ankle is what the phrase denotes, and you’ll see it used when the foot is placed around the ankle in preparation for pointe or to maintain a clean line in an extended line. In contrast, en bas means a low position, en croix describes movements or patterns done in a cross shape (front–side–back–side), and passé refers to the working foot passing the knee or ankle into a higher position.