Which term describes something above the reference point?

• A. Dessous
• B. Dessus
• C. À la Seconde
• D. À la Quatrième derrière

Answer: (B)

In Cecchetti vocabulary, terms describing position relative to a reference point use precise directions. Dessus means above or over the reference point, so it’s the word that indicates something sits higher than the point you’re comparing to. Dessous, on the other hand, means below or underneath, which is the opposite. À la seconde refers to the second position or movement toward it, not a vertical relation to a reference point. À la quatrième derrière designates a specific behind-the-body fourth position, again not simply describing something above. Therefore, the term for “above the reference point” is dessus.