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






2. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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






5. 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.






6. To prick






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






8. 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.






9. Borken/breaking






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. Dance for three






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






13. 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.






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






15. Running.






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






17. 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.






18. Leg.






19. Big - large. (movements)






20. To stretch out - make longer






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






22. To lean






23. 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.






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






25. Raised






26. To get bigger/ big fast movements






27. 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.






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






29. 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.






30. 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.






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






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






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






34. 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.






35. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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 Withdrawn.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






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






38. 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.






39. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






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






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






44. A






45. 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.






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






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






48. Body.






49. Arms






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