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






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






3. To rock - or to swing.






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






5. 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.






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






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






8. Dance for three






9. Body.






10. Borken/breaking






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






12. 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.






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






14. 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.






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






16. Change of the feet in the air.






17. Open - opened.






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






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






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






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






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






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






24. A






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






26. Whipped. A term applied to a whipping movement.






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






28. To get bigger/ big fast movements






29. To face hips square. Not particularly to the front.






30. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






33. Leg.






34. Turning fouetta.






35. 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.






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






37. Two






38. 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.






39. Raised






40. 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.






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






42. Seven






43. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






45. 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.






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






47. Backwards - reverse.






48. 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.






49. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






50. A jump from both feet onto one foot