Understanding Taligrade: Ballet, Dance, and Martial Arts Technique

Taligrade (from the Latin words "talus" meaning ankle and "grade" meaning step) refers to a type of walking or standing that involves placing the body weight on the balls of the feet, with the heels elevated. This posture is often used in ballet and other forms of dance, as well as in some martial arts and yoga practices.

In the taligrade position, the body is typically straightened and the legs are extended behind the body, with the feet turned outward. The weight of the body is distributed evenly between the balls of the feet and the toes, allowing for balance and stability. This posture can be held for extended periods of time, and is often used as a starting position for other movements or poses.

Taligrade is also sometimes referred to as "en dehors" in ballet, meaning "outside" in French. This term is used to describe the position of the feet when they are turned outward, away from the body's center line.