Which term denotes a beating action where the legs cross and strike?

• A. Battu
• B. Petits Battements
• C. Elancer
• D. Soubresaut

Answer: (A)

Beating actions in Cecchetti are about a deliberate, audible strike of the leg. The term battu is the one that signals a beaten movement where the working leg crosses and strikes against the other leg or into the beat. That crossing creates the distinct, crisp beat you hear. So when you see a grand battement battu or similar beaten movement, you’re using a crossing, striking beat—the essence of battu.

The other terms describe different ideas: petits battements are small, rapid beats; elancer suggests a sharp, darting jump or spring; soubresaut is a sudden jump from fifth position with a compact beat. They involve different qualities or actions than the crossing-beat indicated by battu.