What is the difference between demi-plié and grand plié in Grade 1?

What is the difference between demi-plié and grand plié in Grade 1?

• A. Demi-plié is a full bend of the knees with pelvis lowered; grand plié is a deeper bend with heels turning out.
• B. Demi-plié is a knee bend with turnout to second; grand plié is a knee straightening.
• C. Demi-plié is a half bend of the knees with turnout; grand plié is a deeper bend, pelvis lowered and heels turning out.
• D. Demi-plié is turning the hips; grand plié is a vertical spin.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how deep the knee bend is and what happens to the pelvis. Demi-plié is a small, half bend of the knees while you keep turnout from the hips and the pelvis level, with weight distributed evenly through the feet. It serves as a controlled, preparatory bend that warms up the legs without changing the height of the hips. Grand plié is a deeper knee bend, with the pelvis lowered toward the floor while maintaining turnout. In this deeper position you press the thighs outward more and the torso stays long and lifted, requiring stronger turnout control and balance. In short, demi-plié is a half bend with the pelvis level; grand plié is a full bend with the pelvis lowered and turnout maintained.

The key idea is how deep the knee bend is and what happens to the pelvis. Demi-plié is a small, half bend of the knees while you keep turnout from the hips and the pelvis level, with weight distributed evenly through the feet. It serves as a controlled, preparatory bend that warms up the legs without changing the height of the hips.

Grand plié is a deeper knee bend, with the pelvis lowered toward the floor while maintaining turnout. In this deeper position you press the thighs outward more and the torso stays long and lifted, requiring stronger turnout control and balance. In short, demi-plié is a half bend with the pelvis level; grand plié is a full bend with the pelvis lowered and turnout maintained.