What is the meaning of en croix in ballet?

What is the meaning of en croix in ballet?

• A. Passed
• B. In the Shape of a Cross
• C. Gliding Movement
• D. Backwards

Answer: (B)

En croix describes the path of the movement, not a single action. It tells you to travel in a cross-shaped pattern around the body — front, then to the side, then to the back, and finally to the other side. This creates a cross around you, rather than a straight line or a single direction. That’s why the meaning is “In the Shape of a Cross.” The other ideas—being a simple passed moment, a gliding movement, or moving backwards alone—don’t capture that four-direction, cross-shaped sequence.

En croix describes the path of the movement, not a single action. It tells you to travel in a cross-shaped pattern around the body — front, then to the side, then to the back, and finally to the other side. This creates a cross around you, rather than a straight line or a single direction. That’s why the meaning is “In the Shape of a Cross.” The other ideas—being a simple passed moment, a gliding movement, or moving backwards alone—don’t capture that four-direction, cross-shaped sequence.