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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 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






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






3. To lean






4. Step






5. Running.






6. Change of the feet in the air.






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






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






9. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






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






12. Leg.






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






15. Open - opened.






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






17. Arms






18. 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.






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






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






21. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






22. 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.






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






24. Big - large. (movements)






25. Turning fouetta.






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






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






28. Seven






29. This means 'moving' the leg.






30. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






31. Raised






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






33. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






35. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






37. Connected movements on the points






38. 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






39. 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.






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






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






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






43. 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.






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






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






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






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






48. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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