relevé

American  

[rel-uh-vey, ruhl^uh-vey] / ˌrɛl əˈveɪ, rələˈveɪ /

noun

Ballet.

1. a rising up onto full point or half point from the flat of the feet.

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Etymology

Origin of relevé

1925–30; < French: literally, raised, past participle of relever; see relieve

Example Sentences

With quick turns in relevé, they drifted across the floor like pieces of slender grass caught in bursts of wind.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2023

A woman emerges from the floor — as if it were soil, Sánchez Ruíz said — while another dancer stands in relevé.

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2023

We’re not up on relevé, we’re not straight legged; we’re plié, pelvis low, using our glutes and quads to get that strength from the floor and exude power together.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2022

It took place on white carpet and included an extended group relevé in which performers, ranging from untrained dancers to those from Merce Cunningham’s company, fought for their balance.

From New York Times • Feb. 20, 2018

For relevé I propose----" "I say, we'll drop that.

From Settlers and Scouts by Strang, Herbert