An assemblé, starting with the feet in fifth position, effects a reversal of their position. Example (see diagram): the left foot is behind. A little jump upward raises both feet from the floor. Kick out with the left foot to the left, bring it back to fifth position in front of the right foot, at the moment of alighting. The right foot, instead of the left, will dégage, or “wing out,” in the next step, if the step is repeated.
A changement is similar to an assemblé; its difference is in the fact that it causes both feet to “beat.”
Each diagram shows two performances of its step. Both steps take both feet off the floor. In the assemblé, one foot remains passive. In the changement, both are active.
A relevé consists of a simultaneous (a) rise to the ball or point of the supporting foot, while the active foot is raised to the height (usually) of the knee of the supporting leg. The active foot usually is kept close to the supporting leg.