Dégagé

Dégagé (masculine) or dégagée (feminine) is a French adjective meaning free, disengaged, clear, or open. In general use it describes something unobstructed or unconstrained, such as an open space (un espace dégagé), a relaxed or casual style (un style dégagé), or a calm, self-assured manner (une attitude dégagée). The term is widely borrowed into English, particularly in dance and arts contexts.

In ballet technique, dégagé refers to a specific movement of the legs. The working leg brushes from a closed position to an extended position with the foot pointed, leaving a small amount of distance off the floor while the supporting leg remains straight. The leg typically moves through tendu and is held briefly in a pointed, off-the-floor position before returning to the starting position. The movement is precise, brisk, and controlled, serving as a preparatory or connecting step between other elements such as tendu, grand battement, or rond de jambe. Dégagé helps develop turnout, foot extension, and line, while requiring clean articulation and balance.

Etymology derives from the French verb dégager, meaning “to free,” with the past participle dégagé meaning “free, open, unobstructed.” The term is used in musical and theatrical contexts as well as in everyday French to describe clear, unobstructed spaces or relaxed styles.