[1] This work was composed of figures, or illustrations, organized alphabetically, inscribing the ideal forms of poses, steps, and jumps in ballet.
One of the most important concepts to Blasis was how the body must counteract forces to find and maintain balance.
Blasis is said to have originally created the position as he was inspired by Giovanni da Bologna's sculpture, "Mercury".
Blasis' pupils were expected to copy, memorize, and embody the figures in The Code of Terpsichore.
He believed that Blasis' technique of forms and mechanics should only be used when serving a purpose so that ballet would not become trick oriented.