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






2. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






3. Behind you - movements done behind you.






4. Dance for three






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






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






7. Connected movements on the points






8. 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.






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






10. Body.






11. 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.






12. 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.






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






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






15. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






17. Dance for four






18. Raised






19. 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.






20. 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.






21. Arms






22. Under. Indicates that the working foot passes behind the supporting foot.






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






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






25. 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.






26. 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.






27. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






28. A






29. To the front.






30. To prick






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






32. Borken/breaking






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






34. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






35. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






37. Small - little






38. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






40. 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






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






42. 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.






43. Whirl - or spin






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






45. Backwards - reverse.






46. 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.






47. 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.






48. 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.






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






50. This means 'moving' the leg.