Explain en dehors and en dedans in rond de jambe.

• A. En dehors turns away from the supporting leg; en dedans turns toward the supporting leg.
• B. En dehors turns toward the supporting leg; en dedans turns away.
• C. They are synonyms.
• D. They refer to arm positions.

Answer: (A)

In rond de jambe, the terms describe the direction the working leg travels around the leg that is bearing weight. En dehors means the working leg traces a circle away from the supporting leg. En dedans means the circle is toward the supporting leg, moving inward. This distinction stays the same whether you’re on the floor or in the air and no matter where you start the motion. Keep the turnout from the hip, the knee extended, and the foot pointed as you describe the semicircular path. These terms aren’t about arms, and they aren’t synonyms; they tell you the direction of the leg’s circular travel relative to the supporting leg.