Nick's arm muscles bulged, preparing for the downward stroke.

尼克手臂上的肌肉涨鼓起来，准备着向下一砍。

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This upward leader connects with the downward leader and a return stroke occurs. Five more dart leader-return strokes follow.

上行先导与下行先导连接，于是产生了一次回击，随后又是五次以上的直窜先导型回击。

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Eventually a negative stepped leader travels downward and reaches the ground, creating a return stroke.

最终一个下行传播的负极梯形先导接触到地面，制造了一次回击。

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He seems to have realized that this assertive stroke stabilized the figure, suggesting a downward pull, rather than defiance of gravity, since the feet in the other studies and the finished painting are neatly crossed at the ankles and pulled back to imply motion.

WSJ: A Dizzying Artistic Feat | Edgar Degas | Miss La La at the Cirque Fernando | By Karen Wilkin