Petite Battements sur le Cou-de-Pied refers to what movement in ballet?

• A. Small beatings on the neck of the foot
• B. A series of small jumps from fifth position
• C. Arm movement while turning
• D. A balance held on one leg

Answer: (A)

Petite battements sur le cou-de-pied is about small beatings of the foot while it sits on the neck of the foot. In this phrase, cou-de-pied refers to wrapping the working foot around the ankle, either in front or behind the supporting leg, with the foot resting on that area. The “petite battement” is a tiny, controlled tapping motion of the working foot against the ankle, produced with a quick movement of the ankle while keeping the leg steady, turnout maintained, and the rest of the body still. This exercise trains precise foot articulation and ankle control, which is why it’s the correct description.