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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. Raised






3. 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.






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






5. To the second. Applies to legs or arms. Second position.






6. This means 'moving' the leg.






7. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






9. A march in which two steps are taken forward on the demi-pointes and then the third step is taken flat with the supporting knee bent in fondu and the other leg raised in front.






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






11. To the front.






12. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






14. A






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






16. Running.






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






18. 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.






19. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






21. 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.






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






23. Backwards - reverse.






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






25. 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.






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






27. 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.






28. To prick






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. Seven






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






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






33. A stationary handrail that is used during ballet warm up exercises. The term also refers to the exercises that are performed at the barre - as well as that part of a ballet class that incorporates barre exercises. Much of a ballet dancer's training t






34. 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.






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






36. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






46. Open - opened.






47. 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.






48. Change of the feet in the air.






49. Leg.






50. Big - large. (movements)