What is "retiré"?

Retiré is a ballet position where the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg lifted and bent at the knee, with the foot usually resting just above the knee of the supporting leg. The lifted leg is often positioned to the side, front, or back, depending on the movement. The term "retiré" means "withdrawn" in French, reflecting the action of withdrawing the foot up to the knee. This position is used in various ballet steps and turns, helping to showcase the dancer’s balance, strength, and elegance. Retiré is essential for maintaining proper alignment and achieving smooth transitions in choreography.