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






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






3. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






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






7. 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.






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






9. To lean






10. 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.






11. Inward. Indicates that the leg moves in a circular direction - counterclockewise - from the back to the front.






12. Small - little






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






14. Sinking down. A term used to describe a lowering of the body made by bending the knee of the supporting leg.






15. Turning fouetta.






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






17. 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.






18. Dance for four






19. Dance for two.






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






21. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






23. Open - opened.






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






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






26. To rock - or to swing.






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






28. Fish. A position of the body in which the legs are crossed in the fifth position and held tightly together with the back arched. This pose is taken while jumping into the air.






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






30. Change of the feet in the air.






31. Whirl - or spin






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






33. To prick






34. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






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






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






39. Raised






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






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






43. Closed sissone. Low elevation and a quick tempo - this sissonne finishes on two feet with the working foot gliding along the floor into the demi-plia in the fifth position.






44. 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.






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






46. Slow - sustained movement






47. Section that brings you to the end of a dance - its big and important.






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






49. 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.






50. 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.