glebb Posted May 26, 2002 Share Posted May 26, 2002 I've seen reproductions of the lithograph of Marie Taglioni in 'La Sylphide', standing in the window, in B+ with the foot in front instead of behind. Carlotta Grisi is seen in the same pose holding grapes from the harvest, in 'Giselle'. The pose comes back in Balanchine's 'Square Dance'. Does anyone know the proper name for this position and anything about it's history? Link to comment
Victoria Leigh Posted May 26, 2002 Share Posted May 26, 2002 Glebb, to my knowledge (which certainly does have limitations :eek: ), there is no name for this position. But, maybe there is and I just don't know about it! How about rétiré devant à terre? Would that work? ;) Link to comment
glebb Posted May 26, 2002 Author Share Posted May 26, 2002 That's the best explanation so far! Thanks Victoria! The position seems to express something earnest or humble. Maybe it was an expression of simple femininity in those times. I think Mr. Balanchine gave the "B+" position it's name. Does anyone know that to be a fact? Link to comment
atm711 Posted June 3, 2002 Share Posted June 3, 2002 I love those two lithographs you are speaking of--but I have never heard the expression "B+"---why is it so named? You have sent me scurrying to my 5 technical manuals and I can't find any answers. Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted June 3, 2002 Share Posted June 3, 2002 It's a rather recent addition to American Balletspeak. It certainly wasn't called that in my student days, nor in Glebb's. I think the designation attitude dérriére à terre would do for the B+ position, with devant substituted for the ones that seem to be "B+ in front"! Link to comment
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