Word of the Day

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

MONDAY, MARCH 2

Glissade

[ɡlə-SAHD]Part of speech: noun

Origin: french, mid-19th century

• A way of sliding down a steep slope of snow or ice, typically on the feet with the support of an ice axe.
• (Ballet) A movement, typically used as a joining step, in which one leg is brushed outward from the body, which then takes the weight while the second leg is brushed in to meet it.

Examples of Glissade in a sentence

• Attempting a glissade was the only way down the mountain.
• The glissade serves as the transition between the more difficult dance steps.

About Glissade

The glissade comes from the French verb "glisser," meaning to slip or slide. In English we use glissade as a noun to describe movements that take on this slipping and sliding characteristic. But it can also be used as a verb — "glissading down the mountain in a glissade." It's not the strongest writing, but it's still accurate.

Did you Know?

A glissade is a type of movement, but the exact execution of it depends on the context. If you're on an icy mountain, you can slide down in a glissade. The glissade might occur on the dance floor, or you might be disarming your fencing opponent with a glissade.

Comments

[pfrye.livejournal.com]

Illya Kuryakin did not realize that his workouts in the UNCLE gym had become a spectator sport for the lovely ladies of the organization. He was usually so intent on his practice that he failed to notice the crowd of ladies that seemed to appear whenever he was sparring.

He didn't notice, but Napoleon did. Originally Solo had thought that the ladies had come to watch him. It only seemed natural. But then he noticed the sighs, oohs and aahs that accompanied his Russian partners movements. How his glissade movements while avoiding Napoleon's strikes seemed to cause some of the ladies to fan themself and blush.

Once Napoleon realized that Illya was the focus of their attention he had to admit that he did have a natural grace and a dancers poise in his movements. Napoleon made it his mission to throw his partner to the mat as often as he could.