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






2. 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.






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






4. 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.






5. To escape. From 5th to second. Feet slide and don't leave floor.






6. 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.






7. 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.






8. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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






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






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






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






14. 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.






15. 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.






16. 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.






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






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






19. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






22. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






24. Step






25. Body.






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






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






28. Dance for two.






29. Arms






30. To prick






31. Inward. Indicates that the leg moves in a circular direction - counterclockewise - from the back to the front.






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






33. Borken/breaking






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






35. 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.






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






37. Open - opened.






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






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






40. To stretch out - make longer






41. To the front.






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






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






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






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. Two






47. This means 'moving' the leg.






48. To get bigger/ big fast movements






49. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






50. Dance for four