What does à la seconde indicate, and how might you use it in a Grade 3 movement?

• A. It means to the second position or line; used in extensions or passes to create a long line.
• B. It means turn to the opposite direction immediately.
• C. It means plié in second position only.
• D. It means move to first position forward.

Answer: (A)

À la seconde means to the second position or second line. In Grade 3 movement you use it to lengthen the body by extending the leg to the side and aligning the arms in second position, so the line from fingertip to toe reads long and open. It’s common in développements or side extensions, where arriving à la seconde helps you hold a tall, balanced shape and a clear, elongated line. So this term signals length and sideways extension, not a turn, not a plié in second, and not moving forward to first position.