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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. 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.






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






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






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






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






6. Open - opened.






7. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






9. 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.






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






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






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






13. 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






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






15. 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.






16. Arms






17. Change of the feet in the air.






18. Small - half bend of the knees.






19. To lean






20. 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.






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






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






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






24. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






26. 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.






27. 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.






28. Raised






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






30. Whirl - or spin






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. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the 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. Jumped - jumping. When this name is added to a step - that step is done in the air.






35. 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.






36. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






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






40. Borken/breaking






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






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






43. Body.






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






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






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






47. 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.






48. Slow - sustained movement






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






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