From which position does developpé begin?

• A. Retiré or passé
• B. High arabesque
• C. Grand battement
• D. Tendu

Answer: (A)

Developpé is created by drawing the working leg up through a passé and then extending to full height. In this method, that lift and pass-through start from a closed, turned-out position such as retiré or passé. This starting point gives a stable base, allows the knee to pass cleanly through the passe, and keeps the turnout correct as the leg unfolds into extension. Beginning from a high arabesque would already place the leg extended and wouldn’t provide the controlled pass-through; starting from grand battement or tendu lacks the necessary knee bend and alignment to execute a clean développément.