Préparation

Préparation means “preparation.” It is the movement or position a dancer takes just before a step, setting up the body so the step that follows can be done well. On its own a préparation is not the main event. It is the getting-ready part, but it is far from unimportant, because a good step almost always starts with a good préparation.

A clear example is the préparation for a pirouette, usually a plié in fourth or fifth position that loads the legs before the turn. Barre exercises also begin with a préparation of the arm, moving it through a set path to signal that the exercise is starting. In every case, the préparation lines up the weight, the arms, and the breath so the dancer is balanced and ready. Rushing or skipping it is a sure way to make the following step go wrong.