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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. Connected movements on the points






2. 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.






3. 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






4. To rock - or to swing.






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






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






7. Over. Indicates that the working foot passes in front of the supporting foot.






8. Small - little






9. Chased. A step in which one foot literally chases the other foot out of its position; done in a series.






10. This is a term used in double (supported) work for various lifts in which the danseuse is supported by the danseur in a poisson position. He may hold her above his head in a horizontal fish dive or she may fall from a sitting position on his shoulder






11. Sideways. Used to indicate that a step is to be made to the side - either to the right or to the left.






12. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






13. 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.






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






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






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






17. Leg.






18. Step of the cat. Jump where legs come up to double passa.






19. Backwards - reverse.






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






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






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






23. 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.






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 Withdrawn.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






25. Big - large. (movements)






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






27. To stretch out - make longer






28. Two






29. Waltz step. Done with a graceful swaying body. Like a balanca but feet do not cross.






30. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






32. Arms






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






35. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






37. Whirl - or spin






38. Ground to ground. Feet never leave the floor.






39. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






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






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






44. Body.






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






46. To the second. Applies to legs or arms. Second position.






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






48. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






49. Male dance partner to the ballerina






50. Open - opened.