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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. 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.






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






3. Dance for three






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






5. To lean






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






7. This means 'moving' the leg.






8. Inward. Indicates that the leg moves in a circular direction - counterclockewise - from the back to the front.






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






10. 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






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






12. Big - large. (movements)






13. 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.






14. 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






15. Change of the feet in the air.






16. Slow - sustained movement






17. 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.






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






19. 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.






20. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






21. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






23. To get bigger/ big fast movements






24. Turning fouetta.






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






26. 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.






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






28. 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.






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






30. Backwards - reverse.






31. Seven






32. 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.






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






34. Small - little






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






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






37. Open - opened.






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






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






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






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






42. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






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






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






46. 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.






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






48. Dance for two.






49. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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