In Cecchetti terms, how does tendu differ from dégagé?

• A. Tendu keeps the foot sliding on the floor with full extension; dégagé is a brief brush of the foot off the floor.
• B. Tendu is a jump; dégagé is a plié.
• C. Tendu is a push-off from the floor; dégagé is a lift.
• D. Tendu is brushing the floor off; dégagé keeps the foot sliding.

Answer: (A)

In Cecchetti terms, the difference hinges on contact with the floor and the level of lift. Tendu keeps the foot sliding along the floor to full extension with the leg straight and the foot pointed, never leaving the floor. Dégagé is a quick, light brush that lifts the foot off the floor just enough to clear it, finishing with the foot slightly off the ground before returning. This crisp off-floor finish makes dégagé a preparatory movement for bigger steps, while tendu trains continuous floor contact and extension. So the description that tendu stays on the floor with full extension and dégagé is a brief brush off the floor best captures the distinction.