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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. Change of the feet in the air.






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






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 Withdrawn.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






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






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






6. Whirl - or spin






7. 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.






8. 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.






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






10. Dance for three






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






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






13. 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.






14. Raised






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






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






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. Connected movements on the points






19. 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.






20. 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.






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






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






23. Dance for four






24. Running.






25. 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






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






27. Borken/breaking






28. 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.






29. (Movements) in the air

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30. 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.






31. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






33. 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.






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






35. To lean






36. Foot rises about four inches from the floor with a well-pointed toe - then slides back into the the first or fifth position.






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






38. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






41. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






43. 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.






44. 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.






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






46. 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






47. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






49. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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