Which description correctly defines a dégagé in Cecchetti terminology?

• A. A brief brush of the foot off the floor
• B. A full slide along the floor
• C. A jump with turnout
• D. A lift of the knee

Answer: (A)

Degagé is a brief brush of the foot off the floor. In Cecchetti terminology the working foot disengages from the floor with a quick, crisp motion, travels a small distance while staying fully turned out and pointed, and then returns to the floor to meet the supporting leg in a tendu position. This tiny elevation trains control, clean line, and the ability to “disengage” the foot without lifting the knee or making a large movement. It’s a preparatory action used before more pronounced steps like petit battement or grand battement. It’s not a full slide along the floor (that’s more like a glissade), not a jump, and not a lift of the knee.