What is Pointe tendue demi en l'air?

• A. Stretched pointe on the ground
• B. Stretched pointe halfway between à terre and en l'air or 45 degrees
• C. Stretched pointe in the air at 90 degrees
• D. Stretched pointe in the air at hip height

Answer: (B)

Pointe tendue demi en l’air means you are on pointe with the leg extending in a straight line, but only half raised off the floor. Demi en l’air indicates the position is between à terre (on the ground) and en l’air (in the air), so the leg should be elevated to about 45 degrees rather than fully lifted or staying on the ground. The working foot stays pointed and the leg lines stay long and aligned from hip to toe, showing control and balance on pointe.

This is different from a tendue à terre, where the leg remains on the ground; and from a full en l’air position, where the leg is raised higher, typically around 90 degrees or more.