demi-plié

American  

[dem-ee-plee-ey, duh-mee-plee-ey] / ˌdɛm i pliˈeɪ, də mi pliˈeɪ /

noun

Ballet.

plural

demi-pliés

1. a movement done in any of the five positions, in which the dancer bends the knees halfway, keeping the heels securely on the ground.

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Etymology

Origin of demi-plié

< French: literally, half-plié; see demi-, plié ( def. )

Example Sentences

With this, he assumed the “first” position and did a demi-plié, the most basic movement there is in ballet.

From Slate • Oct. 25, 2018

Perhaps he could pass a few of his secrets to Berlanga, who is a potential danseur noble with everything going for him except a convincing demi-plié.

From The Guardian • Dec. 23, 2012