Test your basic knowledge |

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. 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.






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






3. Small - half bend of the knees.






4. Big - large. (movements)






5. 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.






6. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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 Withdrawn.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






8. To lean






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






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






11. Dance for four






12. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






13. A






14. Section that brings you to the end of a dance - its big and important.






15. 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.






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






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






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






19. Small - little






20. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






21. 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.






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






23. Behind you - movements done behind you.






24. Seven






25. This is a term used in double (supported) work for various lifts in which the danseuse is supported by the danseur in a poisson position. He may hold her above his head in a horizontal fish dive or she may fall from a sitting position on his shoulder






26. To rock - or to swing.






27. Dance for two.






28. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






30. Turning. Indicates that the body is to turn while executing a given step.






31. 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.






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






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






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






35. Change of the feet in the air.






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






37. 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.






38. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






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






41. Step in which the fotot goes in back coupa and you turn of a circle then do a grand jeta to complete the turn. Usually done in a circle or diagonal.






42. 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.






43. 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.






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






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






46. Step






47. 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.






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






49. (Movements) in the air






50. Backwards - reverse.