Which phrase translates to 'à la seconde'?

Which phrase translates to 'à la seconde'?

• A. to the second
• B. à la seconde
• C. to the fourth front
• D. En bas

Answer: (B)

Recognizing ballet terminology in French helps you connect the term to a specific arm position. À la seconde is the French name for the second arm position in classical ballet. It describes the arms extended out to the sides at shoulder height, forming a straight line—the second position used in Cecchetti. The literal meaning is “to the second,” or, in practice, “in second position.” Among the options, the one that is the actual French term is the best match, since it names the position itself. The other choices describe different ideas—en bas means down, and the notion of a “fourth front” isn’t a standard Cecchetti term; while “to the second” is an English translation, this item tests recognizing the French term rather than translating it.

Recognizing ballet terminology in French helps you connect the term to a specific arm position. À la seconde is the French name for the second arm position in classical ballet. It describes the arms extended out to the sides at shoulder height, forming a straight line—the second position used in Cecchetti. The literal meaning is “to the second,” or, in practice, “in second position.” Among the options, the one that is the actual French term is the best match, since it names the position itself. The other choices describe different ideas—en bas means down, and the notion of a “fourth front” isn’t a standard Cecchetti term; while “to the second” is an English translation, this item tests recognizing the French term rather than translating it.