curvet

Equine bounding movement

A curvet is a leap in which a horse raises its front legs together, then springs forward with the hind legs before the front ones touch ground—a movement in classical dressage.

The word extends to any light, prancing leap: The dancer curveted across the stage.

As a verb, to curvet is to perform such a leap or move with similar sprightly bounds.

leap

jump

Propel oneself airborne

springRecoiling metal spiral
boundSecured or destined
vaultSecure storage chamber

hop · skip · prance · frolic · caper · gambol · cavort · romp · frisk · bounce

equestrian

dressage

Competitive precision riding

canterModerate equine gait
gallopSwiftest quadruped gait
trotPace between walk, canter

manege · horseback · capriole · passage · pirouette · half-pass · collection · impulsion · equitation · bridle

graceful

balletic

Resembling choreographed dance

elegantGracefully refined, tasteful
litheSupple and graceful
suppleFlexing without damage

nimble · airy · sprightly · light-footed · poised · fluid · agile · dainty · prancing · spirited

Opposites

type of horse gait/movement

curvetgallop

Swiftest quadruped gait

dead run · plod · bolt · charge · trudge

quality of movement

curvetplod

Move slowly, heavily

trudge · lumber · stomp · shuffle · clump

Phrases

flatten the curveSpread outbreak over longer period
learning curveRate of skill acquisition
curve ballPitch with spin-induced arc
curved bladesWeapons bent along length
bell curveNormal distribution's shape
ahead of the curveAnticipating future developments

Family

curve, curved, curving, curvature, curvaceous, incurve

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