Arabesque

pronunciation: air-ah-besk

translation: "in Arabic fashion"

Standing on one leg (the supporting leg) with the other leg (the working leg) turned out and extended behind the body, with both legs held straight.

The working leg may touch the floor in tendu back (arabesque par terre) or be elevated. Common elevation angles of the raised leg are 45° (à demi hauteur) and 90° (à la hauteur). When the angle is much greater than 90° and the body trunk leans forward to counterbalance the working leg, the position is called arabesque penché. The arms may be held in various positions.

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