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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. Foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe - then slides back into the the first or fifth position.






2. Dance for two.






3. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






4. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






5. Chains - links. A series of rapid turns on the points or demi-pointes done in a straight line or circle.






6. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






7. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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






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






11. Running.






12. This jeta is done in all directions and in a circle.






13. This means to pose on one leg whilst extending the other leg to the back.






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






15. On the points. Rising to the tips of the toes.






16. 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.






17. At the neck of the foot. Wrapped around.






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






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






20. Withdrawn. A position in which the thigh is raised to the second position.






21. Like a bell. Refers to grand battements to the front and back sliding through first position.






22. To strike powerfully. An exercise in which the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front - side or back.






23. To glide. A traveling step executed by gliding the working foot from the fifth position in the required direction - the other foot closing to it.






24. To stretch out - make longer






25. To rock - or to swing.






26. 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.






27. Developing movement. A daveloppa is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l'air and held there with perfect control.






28. To face hips square. Not particularly to the front.






29. Raised






30. 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.






31. Body.






32. To prick






33. 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.






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






35. Borken/breaking






36. Arms






37. Step in which legs/thighs beat in the air






38. Shaded. Position in which the dancer stands at an oblique angle to the audience so that a part of the body is taken back - almost hidden from view.






39. Dance for three






40. This term is used for a fault in which the dancer turns his or her foot in from the ankle - thereby breaking the straight line of the leg.






41. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






43. Small - half bend of the knees.






44. Seven






45. Bent or bending. Bending of the knee or knees






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






47. 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.






48. Slow - sustained movement






49. Step






50. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion