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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. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






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






5. Big - large. (movements)






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






7. Step






8. To lean






9. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






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






12. 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






13. Arms






14. 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.






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






16. Seven






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






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






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






20. 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.






21. Open - opened.






22. 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.






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






24. Behind you - movements done behind you.






25. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






26. 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.






27. 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.






28. To the front.






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






30. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






33. Two






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






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






36. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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






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






40. Backwards - reverse.






41. 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.






42. Dance for two.






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






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






45. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






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






49. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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