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






2. 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.






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






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






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






6. 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.






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






8. On the points. Rising to the tips of the toes.






9. 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






10. Step






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






12. Two






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






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






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






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






17. 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.






18. To lean






19. A






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






22. Whirl - or spin






23. 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.






24. Connected movements on the points






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






26. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






27. Male dance partner to the ballerina






28. Carried. Refers either to a step which is traveled in the air from one spot to another.






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






30. This means 'moving' the leg.






31. 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.






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






33. Raised






34. Dance for four






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






36. Behind you - movements done behind you.






37. Running.






38. Step in which the fotot goes in back coupa and you turn of a circle then do a grand jeta to complete the turn. Usually done in a circle or diagonal.






39. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






42. Fish. A position of the body in which the legs are crossed in the fifth position and held tightly together with the back arched. This pose is taken while jumping into the air.






43. 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.






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






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






46. Turning fouetta.






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






48. Dance for two.






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






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