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A demi-plié is a fundamental ballet movement that involves a slight bending of the knee. The French term "plié" translates to "bent," and this specific variation, "demi-plié," means "half bent".12

In ballet, pliés are crucial for several reasons:
* They provide the spring needed for jumps and turns.2
* They help absorb the shock of landings.2
* They serve as an exercise to loosen muscles and develop balance.2

A demi-plié is characterized by the dancer's heels remaining on the floor, distinguishing it from a grand plié where the heels lift in most foot positions. This movement can be performed in all five basic ballet foot positions.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. plié
  2. demi-plié

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