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






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 Withdrawn.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






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






4. 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.






5. A jump from both feet onto one foot






6. 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.






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






8. 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.






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






10. Dance for four






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






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






13. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






15. Body.






16. To lean






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






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






19. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






20. Slow - sustained movement






21. 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






22. Seven






23. Backwards - reverse.






24. 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.






25. Step






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






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






28. Running.






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






30. Change of the feet in the air.






31. Arms






32. 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.






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






34. 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.






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






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






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






38. Connected movements on the points






39. 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.






40. 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.






41. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






44. To stretch out - make longer






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






46. To the front.






47. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






49. This means 'moving' the leg.






50. To prick