développée

Développée is the feminine form of the ballet term développé, describing both a movement and the resulting leg line in which the working leg is drawn up to a passé or retiré and then extended en l’air to full height. The term can refer to the action itself or to the leg in its final extended position, and it is commonly used to describe a movement performed by a female dancer or when the noun being described is feminine, for example la jambe développée.

In execution, the movement typically begins from a position such as fifth position en bas or retiré. The leg is lifted to passé with the knee turned outward, then extended through a controlled path to a straight line with the foot pointed. The height of the extension and the exact line depend on the dancer’s training and the choreographic context. Turnout, core stability, and a steady supporting leg are essential to maintain a clean, balanced développé.

Variations include développée en avant (forward), en dehors (away from the body), and en dedans (toward the supporting leg). The term also appears in different degrees of extension, such as petite (smaller) or grande (larger) développée, and is often contrasted with related movements like grand battement.

Historically, développée is a standard element in classical ballet technique across schools such as Cecchetti, Vaganova, and Bournonville, valued for its expressive line and technical control. See also: développé, développé en avant, and related battement extensions.