Describe retiré and its role in Cecchetti technique.

• A. Retiré is the working leg raised at knee level with turnout, creating a poised balance and long line.
• B. Retiré is a straight leg extended to the front.
• C. Retiré is a low plié with a small kick.
• D. Retiré is a jump with turnout.

Answer: (A)

Retiré is a position where the working leg is raised with the knee bent and the foot placed near the ankle of the supporting leg, turned out from the hip. This creates a compact, poised shape with a long line from the head through the raised leg, emphasizing balance and control. In Cecchetti, this position trains precise turnout, strong alignment, and the ability to hold a clean, elegant shape during transitions, which is why it’s foundational for turns, adagios, and other steps. It isn’t a straight-front extension, a low plié with a small kick, or a jump—those describe other movements, not retiRé.