À la seconde

À la seconde is a French term meaning “to the second” or “in second position.” It tells a dancer that a movement should be done to the side, with the working leg or foot in second position. You will hear it added to other steps to show their direction, such as a tendu à la seconde, which stretches the foot directly out to the side, or a grand battement à la seconde, which throws the leg up to the side. Whenever you hear it, picture the leg opening straight out sideways rather than to the front or back.