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Ballet Basics Vocab

Subjects : performing-arts, dance
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
  • If you are not ready to take this test, you can study here.
  • Match each statement with the correct term.
  • Don't refresh. All questions and answers are randomly picked and ordered every time you load a test.

This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. Inward. Indicates that the leg moves in a circular direction - counterclockewise - from the back to the front.






2. Small rise on the ball of the foot - usually in pointe shoes.






3. To rock - or to swing.






4. Enrico Cecchetti was a ballet teacher. He had a system of passing the tradition of ballet down to the next generation. The method has a definite program of strict routine and includes a table of principal set daily exercises for each day of the week.






5. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






6. Carried. Refers either to a step which is traveled in the air from one spot to another.






7. Grand dance for two. Has a definite 5 parts.






8. Raised






9. Pas de bourra - running. This is a progression on the points or demi-pointes by a series of small - even steps with the feet close together. It may be done in all directions or in a circle.






10. Step in which the fotot goes in back coupa and you turn ¾ of a circle then do a grand jeta to complete the turn. Usually done in a circle or diagonal.






11. Body.






12. Arms low or down. This is the dancer's 'attention.' The arms form a circle with the palms facing each other and the back edge of the hands resting on the thighs. The arms should hang quite loosely but not allowing the elbows to touch the sides.






13. Royal. A changement in which the calves are beaten together before the feet change position.






14. Change of the feet in the air.






15. The working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position without lifting the toe from the ground.






16. In the shape of a cross. (Front - side - back - side)






17. Carriage of the arm. The changing of arm positions.






18. Diversion - enjoyment. A suite of numbers called 'entraes -' inserted into a classic ballet. These short dances are calculated to display the talents of individuals or groups of dancers.






19. Basque jump. A traveling step in which the dancer turns in the air with one foot drawn up to the knee of the other leg. Fifth position are foot front.






20. To put together - to make a jump from one foot then landing on both feet.






21. Male dance partner to the ballerina






22. To turn in the air. A complete sing - double - or triple turn in the air; usually landing in 5th position.






23. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






24. Backwards - reverse.






25. A ballet fan or enthusiast. The word was invented in Russia in the early nineteenth century.






26. A march in which two steps are taken forward on the demi-pointes and then the third step is taken flat with the supporting knee bent in fondu and the other leg raised in front.






27. The crossing of the legs with the body placed at an oblique angle to the audience.






28. To escape. From 5th to second. Feet slide and don't leave floor.






29. To the front. Any step in front of your body.






30. Small - little






31. A stationary handrail that is used during ballet warm up exercises. The term also refers to the exercises that are performed at the barre - as well as that part of a ballet class that incorporates barre exercises. Much of a ballet dancer's training t






32. To throw. A jump from one foot to the other in which the working leg is brushed into the air and appears to have been thrown.






33. To pose - balanced on one leg while the other leg is slightly bent at the knee - extended to either the front - side or back.






34. Bourrae step - done on pointe of demi-point.






35. Flying brisa. In this brisa the dancer finishes on one foot after the beat - the other leg crossed either front or back.






36. Sating ballet slippers dancers use when dancing in sur le point.






37. Term used to describe the ability of a dancer to raise and hold her extended leg en l'air.






38. Behind you - movements done behind you.






39. Running.






40. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






41. Under. Indicates that the working foot passes behind the supporting foot.






42. The ability to jump easily and lightly into the air. Springy - usually men.






43. Whipped. A term applied to a whipping movement.






44. Turning. Indicates that the body is to turn while executing a given step.






45. This describes certain jumps and steps - for example - jumping and landing from two feet - or a specific movement that is usually performed at the 'barre' - to stand on one leg - the other leg will then beat against it.






46. Two






47. Big - large. (movements)






48. Jumped - jumping. When this name is added to a step - that step is done in the air.






49. To get bigger/ big fast movements






50. To stretch out - make longer