Ballet Term
Relevé lent
Relevé lent is a term common in Russian ballet schools for a position where the dancer starts with straight legs, then lifts a single leg off the floor while raising up to Relevé on the supporting leg. Then, the ballet dancer will move in a slow adagio tempo without a plié.
Relevé lent means slow lift, and it is a controlled adagio movement common in Russian training. The dancer begins with straight legs and raises one leg off the floor smoothly and slowly, without any plié, while the supporting leg rises onto relevé. It is a test of pure strength and balance rather than momentum.
How it is performed
Starting from a strong stance, the working leg lifts to the front, side, or back at an even, unhurried tempo. There is no bend and no swing to help it. As the leg lifts, the supporting leg rises onto relevé, growing tall through the whole foot. The higher the working leg goes, the more the standing side has to hold and stay lifted. The upper body stays calm and placed the entire time.
Why it matters
Because there is no plié or momentum, relevé lent forces the dancer to use the muscles of the leg, hip, and core to carry the weight of the leg slowly upward. It builds the deep strength and steadiness you need for high, sustained extensions in adagio.
Tips for beginners
Do not sacrifice your placement for height. Keep the hips level and the supporting side lifted, and let the leg rise only as high as you can hold with control. Slow, even practice is exactly the point, so resist the urge to rush or kick.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What does relevé lent mean?
It means slow lift, a movement where the dancer raises the leg slowly and without a plié while rising onto relevé on the supporting leg.
How is relevé lent different from grand battement?
Relevé lent lifts the leg slowly with pure control, while a grand battement throws the leg up quickly with momentum.