Ballet Term
Demi
Demi is a term used in ballet to describe a “half” movement. For example, demi-plie or demi arabesque.
Demi means “half.” On its own it is not a step. It is a modifier that gets attached to other terms to tell you a movement is done at half of its full range or position. When you see “demi” in front of a word, read it as “half of” that thing.
The most common example is demi-plié, a bend of the knees that goes only halfway, keeping the heels on the floor, as opposed to a grand plié where the knees bend fully. Another is demi-pointe, standing high on the ball of the foot rather than all the way up on full pointe. You will also hear demi-arabesque, a smaller version of arabesque with the working leg lifted lower. In every case, demi simply signals a smaller, partial version of the full movement.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between demi-plié and grand plié?
A demi-plié bends the knees halfway with the heels staying on the floor, while a grand plié bends the knees fully and, in most positions, lifts the heels off the floor.