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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. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






2. To rock - or to swing.






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






4. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






6. Connected movements on the points






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






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






9. Change of the feet in the air.






10. Running.






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






12. 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.






13. 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.






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






15. To lean






16. 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.






17. 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.






18. Step






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






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






21. Slow - sustained movement






22. 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.






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






24. Dance for three






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






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






27. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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






30. Raised






31. To throw. A jump from one foot to the other in which the working leg is brushed into the air and appears to have been thrown.






32. Arms






33. Turning fouetta.






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






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






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






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






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






39. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






40. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






47. To stretch out - make longer






48. Backwards - reverse.






49. Small - half bend of the knees.






50. Big - large. (movements)