epaulement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Artistic
Quick answer
What does “epaulement” mean?
In dance, a specific rotation or twist of the torso and shoulders, used especially in ballet to create expressive lines and opposition to the feet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In dance, a specific rotation or twist of the torso and shoulders, used especially in ballet to create expressive lines and opposition to the feet.
In military contexts, a shoulder strap or ornamental piece on a uniform; in broader usage, the act of facing or turning to the side, or a feature that provides protection or cover (obsolete/extended).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage is identical and confined to the same specialised ballet context.
Connotations
Exclusively technical and artistic. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, known only to practitioners and enthusiasts of ballet.
Grammar
How to Use “epaulement” in a Sentence
execute an epaulementachieve proper epaulementdemonstrate the epaulementwork on one's epaulementthe epaulement in port de brasVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in specialised dance history, theory, or technique papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in ballet pedagogy and criticism.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epaulement”
- Mispronouncing it as 'epaulet-ment' (confusing it with 'epaulet').
- Using it to refer to any shoulder movement, rather than the specific opposed rotation of torso and head.
- Assuming it is a common English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. Both derive from the French 'épaule' (shoulder). 'Epaulet' refers to the shoulder ornament on a uniform, while 'epaulement' in ballet refers to the positioning of the shoulders and torso.
No. It is a highly specialised term only relevant to dance. It is not part of general vocabulary.
Epaulement involves a coordinated opposition: the torso rotates one way while the head turns and inclines slightly in the opposite or complementary direction, creating a dynamic, spiralling line. It's more complex than a simple head turn.
No, 'epaulement' is exclusively a noun. The action is described as 'to use epaulement' or 'to execute epaulement'.
In dance, a specific rotation or twist of the torso and shoulders, used especially in ballet to create expressive lines and opposition to the feet.
Epaulement is usually technical/artistic in register.
Epaulement: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɛpəʊlˈmɒ̃/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɛpoʊlˈmɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dancer saying, "I PAUL, turn my MENT (mind) to my shoulders." It connects the name Paul with the mental focus needed for the shoulder/torso movement.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY AS A SCULPTURE (being carved into expressive angles); COMMUNICATION THROUGH TORSION (the twist conveys meaning or emotion).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'epaulement' primarily used today?