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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. Dance for three






2. (Movements) in the air

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3. 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






4. Seven






5. 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.






6. Backwards - reverse.






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






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






9. 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.






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






11. To strike powerfully. An exercise in which the dancer forcefully extends the working leg from a cou-de-pied position to the front - side or back.






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






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






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






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






16. 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






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






18. Change of the feet in the air.






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






20. 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.






21. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






24. To prick






25. 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.






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






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






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






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






30. Open - opened.






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. Borken/breaking






33. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






34. Dance for four






35. 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.






36. Jumped - jumping. When this name is added to a step - that step is done in the air.






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






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






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






40. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






43. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






45. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






47. To stretch out - make longer






48. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






49. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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