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






2. 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.






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






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






5. 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.






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






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






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






9. Small - little






10. To face hips square. Not particularly to the front.






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






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






13. 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.






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






15. Bent or bending. Bending of the knee or knees






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






17. Whirl - or spin






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






19. 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.






20. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






21. To lean






22. To rock - or to swing.






23. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






24. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






25. Dance for three






26. 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.






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






28. Enrico Cecchetti was a ballet teacher. He had a system of passing the tradition of ballet down to the next generation. The method has a definite program of strict routine and includes a table of principal set daily exercises for each day of the week.






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






30. 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






31. 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.






32. 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.






33. 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.






34. (Movements) in the air

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






36. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






39. To the front.






40. Dance for two.






41. Open - opened.






42. Dance for four






43. Slow - sustained movement






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






45. Behind you - movements done behind you.






46. 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.






47. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






48. 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.






49. To get bigger/ big fast movements






50. To stretch out - make longer