épaulement

American  

[ey-pohl-mahn] / eɪ poʊlˈmɑ̃ /

noun

Ballet.

plural

épaulements

1. a position in which the shoulders are at right angles to the direction of the supporting leg, with one shoulder thrust forward and one back.

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Etymology

Origin of épaulement

1680–90; < French, equivalent to épaule ( see epaulet) + -ment -ment

Example Sentences

Forsythe celebrates ballet vocabulary in bounding jumps, small and large — and always in his use of épaulement, or the angles and carriage of the arms.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2022

Ratmansky likes to create an interplay between formality and spontaneity, and Côté, with his elegant line, expansive arms and sensuous épaulement, embodies this approach perfectly.

From The Guardian • Apr. 20, 2013

“Theme and Variations” is, among other things, a study in épaulement, the angling of the upper body, and Mr. De Luz’s épaulement is exemplary.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2012

The soft neck and upper back, the eloquent épaulement, the cantilena phrasing – all were combined in a performance of ravishing individuality.

From The Guardian • May 29, 2010

In that cluster of mud huts—its name is Aoong—the gallant Rénaud fell with a shattered thigh, as he led his "Lambs" up to the épaulement which covered its front.

From Camps, Quarters, and Casual Places by Forbes, Archibald