dégagée

Dégagée is a French term commonly used in ballet and other forms of dance. It literally translates to "unwound" or "freed." In ballet, dégagée refers to a specific foot movement where the leg is extended from a position of fifth or first, lifting the foot off the floor slightly. The movement is characterized by a brush of the foot through the floor as it extends.

The term dégagée describes the action of the foot and leg becoming "disengaged" or released from its previous position. It is a fundamental exercise that helps dancers develop flexibility, strength, and precision in their leg and foot articulation. Dégagée can be performed in various directions, such as to the front, side, or back, and is often executed as a preparatory movement for larger steps like a grand battement or a développé.

The execution of a dégagée requires control and fluidity. The foot brushes away from the floor, extending the leg to a specific degree, before returning to a preparatory position or transitioning into the next movement. It is a quick, sharp action, distinct from a tendu, which remains on the floor, and a grand battement, which lifts the leg higher. Dégagée plays a crucial role in building the foundational technique for more complex choreography.