意为「安逸、从容」。Adage 为法语词，源自意大利语 ad agio，意为安逸或从容（at ease or leisure）。英国芭蕾教师使用法语转写形式 adage，而美国人偏爱意大利语原形 adagio。在舞蹈中此词有两层含义：（1）指紧随中间练习（centre practice）之后进行的一系列练习，由一连串舒缓、优美的动作组成，可简单亦可极为复杂，要求以流畅和举重若轻的质感完成。这类练习培养舞者的持续支撑力、线条感、平衡感与优美的体态控制，使其能够庄严而优雅地起舞。adagio 的主要舞步有 plié、développé、grand fouetté en tournant、dégagé、grand rond de jambe、rond de jambe en l'air、coupé、battement tendu、attitude、arabesque、pirouette 的准备动作以及各类 pirouette。（2）指古典 pas de deux（双人舞）的开场段落，女舞者在男舞伴的扶持下完成一系列舒缓的动作与 enlèvement（托举）——由男舞者将女舞者举起、扶托或携抱移动。被扶持的女舞者借此展现其优雅、线条与完美的平衡，完成 développé、pirouette、arabesque 等动作，并达成种种没有舞伴助力便无法完成的舞步与姿态组合。
Adage is a French word derived from the Italian ad agio, meaning at ease or leisure. English ballet teachers use “adage,” the French adaptation, while Americans prefer the original Italian. In dancing it has two meanings: (1) A series of exercises following the centre practice, consisting of a succession of slow and graceful movements which may be simple or of the most complex character, performed with fluidity and apparent ease. These exercises develop a sustaining power, sense of line, balance and the beautiful poise which enables the dancer to perform with majesty and grace. The principal steps of adagio are pliés, développés, grand fouetté en tournant, dégagés, grand rond de jambe, rond de jambe en l’air, coupés, battements tendus, attitudes, arabesques, preparations for pirouettes and all types of pirouettes. (2) The opening section of the classical pas de deux, in which the ballerina, assisted by her male partner, performs the slow movements and enlèvements in which the danseur lifts, supports or carries the danseuse. The danseuse thus supported exhibits her grace, line and perfect balance while executing développés, pirouettes, arabesques and so on, and achieves combinations of steps and poses which would be impossible without the aid of her partner.