Why is B+ called B+ in ballet
Ballet terminology can feel like this secret code, honestly. "B+" — pronounced "B plus" — is one of those terms that makes people scratch their heads. The name itself gives it away though. It sits right between Battement Tendu and Dégagé (or Battement Glissé). That "plus" means the working foot lifts off the floor, but nowhere near as high as a full Dégagé. Think of it as a hybrid preparatory position. Literally "a little more than a tendu but not quite a dégagé." It's foundational stuff, especially in the Cecchetti method, where they use it to build strength and precision in the foot and ankle before moving on to bigger, flashier moves.
What is the difference between a tendu and a B+ in ballet?
This is the question dancers ask all the time. The answer? It's all about how high the working foot gets off the floor.
- Tendu (Battement Tendu): The foot brushes along the floor, extends to a full point — only the tip of the big toe touches. Heel's up, but the foot never loses contact with the floor.
- B+ (B plus): Same brushing action as a tendu, but the toe lifts maybe an inch or two off the floor (2-5 cm). Foot stays fully pointed, ankle's engaged. Feels sort of "floaty."
- Dégagé (or Battement Glissé): Foot lifts higher, usually to 45 degrees or just above the standing leg's ankle bone. It's sharp, dynamic — a quick throw.
Picture it like a scale: Tendu is 0% lift, B+ is about 25%, and Dégagé is 100%. B+ is controlled, held. A Dégagé is fast, thrown.
Why is B+ considered a "preparatory" position?
B+ isn't some grand pose like arabesque or attitude. It's a training tool. A building block. The whole point is to isolate and strengthen those tiny intrinsic muscles in the foot and ankle without worrying about higher leg positions.
"In the Cecchetti method, we use B+ to teach the dancer to control the foot's articulation from the floor up. It is the 'aha' moment where the dancer learns to use their foot as a paintbrush, not a hammer." – Master Teacher, Royal Academy of Dance (paraphrased).
By holding the foot in this precise, low hover, a dancer develops:
- Ankle stability: That constant, low-level engagement builds strength in the peroneals and tibialis anterior.
- Foot articulation: Forces you to maintain a perfect point while controlling the metatarsals.
- Weight placement: You gotta center your weight perfectly over the standing leg or you'll wobble like crazy.
Is B+ used in all ballet methods?
Nope. B+ is really tied to the Cecchetti method (named after Italian maestro Enrico Cecchetti). It's a staple in their daily barre work. Other methods — Vaganova (Russian), Balanchine (American) — might have similar concepts, sometimes called a "low dégagé" or "tendu lift," but they rarely call it "B+" or treat it as a distinct, named position. In Vaganova, for instance, you usually go straight from Tendu to Dégagé (45 degrees). Cecchetti is the one that codified this intermediate step.
Comparison of B+ Usage Across Methods
| Ballet Method | Term Used | Height | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cecchetti (Italian) | B+ | 1-2 inches off floor | Preparatory, strength-building |
| Vaganova (Russian) | No specific term | Usually jumps to 45° | Not a held position |
| Balanchine (American) | "Low dégagé" | Variable, often quick | Speed and energy |
| Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) | Not a standard term | N/A | Uses tendu and glissé |
How do you correctly execute a B+?
If you're learning this, precision matters. Here's a step-by-step checklist:
- Start in Fifth Position: Make sure your turnout's good and weight's even on both feet.
- Brush to Tendu: Slide the working foot front, side, or back, keeping it pointed. Stop when the toe just touches the floor.
- Lift the Toe: Without bending the knee or rolling the ankle, lift that pointed toe 1-2 inches off the floor. Heel stays up, ankle's fully engaged.
- Hold and Control: Hold it for a full count (like 4 counts) to build strength. Don't let the foot "wobble" or sickle.
- Return: Lower the toe back to tendu, then slide the foot back to fifth position.
Common Mistakes: Lifting the thigh (leg should stay straight), sickling the foot (rolling inward), or letting the hip hike up.
What are the benefits of practicing B+?
The benefits are actually pretty big, especially for younger or less experienced dancers. It's low-risk, high-reward.
- Prevents Ankle Injuries: By strengthening those tiny stabilizing muscles, B+ helps stop common sprains before they happen.
- Improves Point Work: Dancers moving to pointe? B+ builds the foot strength needed to rise onto the shoe's box.
- Enhances Musicality: The controlled, held nature of B+ teaches you to move with deliberate phrasing, not just rushing through.
- Refines Alignment: Forces you to find perfect alignment in the standing leg and pelvis before moving to trickier steps.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about B+ in Ballet
Q: Is B+ the same as a "dégagé"?
A: No. A dégagé is typically much higher (45 degrees) and is a sharp, brushing action. B+ is a lower, held position.
Q: Can beginners do B+?
A: Yes, it is often taught to beginners after they have mastered the tendu. It is an excellent intermediate step.
Q: Why is it only called B+ in Cecchetti?
A: Enrico Cecchetti codified his method with specific names for every step. The "B" likely refers to its place in the sequence of battement exercises (Tendu = A, B+ = B, Dégagé = C, etc.).
Q: Does B+ help with turns?
A: Indirectly, yes. The core stability and weight placement learned in B+ are foundational for controlled pirouettes.
Short Summary: Why is B+ called B+ in ballet?
- Hybrid Position: B+ is the transition between a tendu (toe on floor) and a dégagé (45-degree lift), literally meaning "a little more than a tendu."
- Cecchetti Method: The term is primarily used in the Italian Cecchetti method, where it is a codified preparatory step for foot strength.
- Strength Builder: It isolates the ankle and foot muscles, building stability and control without the stress of higher leg positions.
- Not Universal: Other methods like Vaganova or Balanchine do not use the term "B+," often jumping directly from tendu to dégagé.