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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. Open - opened.






2. 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.






3. 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.






4. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






5. 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.






6. To the front.






7. 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.






8. Dance for two.






9. To rock - or to swing.






10. 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.






11. 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






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






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






14. Small - little






15. 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.






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






17. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






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






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






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






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






23. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






26. To prick






27. Running.






28. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






29. 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.






30. Slow - sustained movement






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






32. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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






35. Connected movements on the points






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






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






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






39. 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.






40. Seven






41. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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






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






45. Turning fouetta.






46. Body.






47. Dance for four






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






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






50. Borken/breaking