What is the meaning of adage?

• A. Slow, Controlled Movement
• B. Thrown
• C. Carriage of the Arms
• D. Twirl or Spin

Answer: (A)

In ballet, adage means slow, controlled, sustained movement that emphasizes balance, alignment, and expressive line. This term signals a portion of class or a sequence where the goal is to maintain smooth, long-held positions with precise turnout and clean transitions, rather than quick steps or jumps. That’s why the meaning described as a slow, controlled movement is the best choice. The other ideas describe different qualities: a thrown action implies release or projection of energy not associated with adage; carriage of the arms refers to how the arms are held rather than the tempo and control of movement; and a twirl or spin points to turning or fast movement typical of allegro, not the slow, deliberate focus of adage.