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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. To throw about. This is a jump from either one foot or both feet. Jump up to double passe and extend out.






2. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






4. 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.






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






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






7. Interweaving or braiding. A step of beating in which the dancer jumps into the air and rapidly crosses the legs before and behind each other.






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






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






10. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






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






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






14. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






17. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






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






21. To the front.






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






23. Backwards - reverse.






24. 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.






25. To lean






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






27. Step






28. 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.






29. 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.






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






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






32. Running.






33. Behind you - movements done behind you.






34. 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.






35. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






37. Connected movements on the points






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






39. To get bigger/ big fast movements






40. Dance for four






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






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






43. Leg.






44. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






47. Dance for three






48. Small - half bend of the knees.






49. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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