Test your basic knowledge |

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






2. Dance for three






3. 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.






4. Male dance partner to the ballerina






5. Running.






6. Whirl - or spin






7. To prick






8. Small - little






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






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






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






12. To lean






13. To face hips square. Not particularly to the front.






14. Dance for two.






15. Two






16. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






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






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






20. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






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






24. To stretch out - make longer






25. 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.






26. Connected movements on the points






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






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






29. Change of the feet in the air.






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






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






32. Backwards - reverse.






33. 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.






34. Body.






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






36. 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.






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






38. Open - opened.






39. 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.






40. To the front.






41. Turning fouetta.






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






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






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






45. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






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






48. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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