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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. 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.






2. Step






3. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






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






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






8. Seven






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






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






11. Line. The outline of a dancer as she executes certain steps.






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






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






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 Withdrawn.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






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






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






17. 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.






18. 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.






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






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






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






22. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






23. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






24. Borken/breaking






25. 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






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






27. Turning fouetta.






28. To the front.






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






30. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






31. Dance for three






32. Backwards - reverse.






33. 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.






34. Dance for four






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






36. Leg.






37. Dance for two.






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






39. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






41. To turn in a walk. The dancer turns slowly in place on one foot by a series of slight movements of the heel to the required side while maintaining a definite pose.






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






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






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. 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.






46. 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.






47. 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.






48. 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.






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






50. Two