entrechat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecialistFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “entrechat” mean?
A ballet leap in which the dancer crosses the feet rapidly multiple times in the air.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A ballet leap in which the dancer crosses the feet rapidly multiple times in the air.
A specific, advanced step in classical ballet technique, symbolizing technical virtuosity and lightness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. Pronunciation and usage are identical in both ballet communities.
Connotations
Technical precision, tradition, high skill level in classical dance.
Frequency
Identically very low in general language but standard within ballet terminology worldwide.
Grammar
How to Use “entrechat” in a Sentence
The dancer [verb] an entrechat.He finished the variation with a perfect [entrechat].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “entrechat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The principal will entrechat beautifully in the coda.
American English
- She entrechated with remarkable clarity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in dance history, theory, and criticism papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside discussions of ballet.
Technical
Core term in ballet pedagogy, choreography, and performance notes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entrechat”
- Mispronouncing as 'en-tre-chat' (with a hard 'ch').
- Using it to describe any ballet jump.
- Misspelling as 'entrachat' or 'entre shot'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The number (e.g., quatre, six, huit) indicates how many times the feet cross during the jump, reflecting its complexity.
Yes, though rare outside dance circles. It means to perform an entrechat (e.g., 'She entrechated brilliantly').
No. It is a specialist term from French, understood only in the context of ballet and related arts.
Entrechat quatre (four crossings) is a foundational step taught to intermediate students, while entrechat six is a standard for advanced male dancers.
A ballet leap in which the dancer crosses the feet rapidly multiple times in the air.
Entrechat is usually formal / technical in register.
Entrechat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɒ̃trəʃɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑːntrəˌʃɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat (CHAT) jumping between (ENTRE) your feet, quickly crossing them – just like the dancer's feet cross in the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE DANCER IS A BIRD (lightness, flight, beating wings suggested by the rapid foot movement).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'entrechat' exclusively used?