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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. 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.






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






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






4. Whirl - or spin






5. Small - little






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






7. Open - opened.






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






9. 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.






10. Turning fouetta.






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






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






13. A march in which two steps are taken forward on the demi-pointes and then the third step is taken flat with the supporting knee bent in fondu and the other leg raised in front.






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






15. 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.






16. Raised






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






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






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






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






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






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






23. Dance for four






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






25. This means 'moving' the leg.






26. Backwards - reverse.






27. Big - large. (movements)






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






29. To prick






30. 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.






31. 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






32. 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.






33. Change of the feet in the air.






34. 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.






35. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






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






39. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






41. 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.






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






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






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






45. Slow - sustained movement






46. To the front.






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






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






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






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