What is the difference between the Cecchetti terms 'à la seconde' and 'à terre' in Grade 4 barre?

What is the difference between the Cecchetti terms 'à la seconde' and 'à terre' in Grade 4 barre?

• A. À la seconde means moving the working foot in a circular path around the ankle.
• B. À la seconde means moving the working foot to the second position or extending into seconde; à terre means the working foot stays on the floor through the exercise.
• C. À la seconde means parallel alignment; à terre means turnout.
• D. À la seconde indicates a jump; à terre indicates not.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is whether the working foot leaves the floor to reach the side or stays on the ground. When you see à la seconde, you’re moving the foot into the second position or extending the leg out to the side in seconde, with turnout from the hip and the foot pointed. It’s about creating that long line to the side by lifting and extending the leg. In contrast, à terre tells you to keep the working foot on the floor throughout the movement, letting it slide or glide there rather than rising into the side extension. This keeps the focus on control and precision with the foot remaining in contact with the floor. So, the difference is lift and side extension versus staying flat on the floor.

The key idea is whether the working foot leaves the floor to reach the side or stays on the ground. When you see à la seconde, you’re moving the foot into the second position or extending the leg out to the side in seconde, with turnout from the hip and the foot pointed. It’s about creating that long line to the side by lifting and extending the leg. In contrast, à terre tells you to keep the working foot on the floor throughout the movement, letting it slide or glide there rather than rising into the side extension. This keeps the focus on control and precision with the foot remaining in contact with the floor. So, the difference is lift and side extension versus staying flat on the floor.