Round of the leg, that is, a circular movement of the
leg. Ronds de jambe are used as an exercise at the bar, in the centre and in the
adage, and are done à terre or en l'air. When used as a step, ronds de jambe are
done en l'air and may be sauté or relevé. All are done clockwise (en dehors) and
counterclockwise (en dedans).
["circular movement of the leg"]. A movement in which the working leg is made
to describe a letter D about the supporting leg. May be done with the working
foot on the floor or in the air. In a rond de jambe en dehors ("outward") on the
floor, the working leg moves from first (or fifth) position to pointe tendu
forward, makes a half circle to pointe tendu in back, and then returns to first,
if the rond de jambe is to be repeated, and otherwise to first or fifth. A
wonderful exercise for turnout. In a rond de jambe en dedans ("inward"), the
direction of movement is reversed. In a demi rond de jambe, the working leg goes
only half-way around, stopping in second position. A grand rond de jambe, is
executed with the supporting leg in plié. A rond de jambe en l'air ("in the
air") is done with the working leg raised off the floor, frequently at an angle
of 90 degrees (parallel to the floor).
