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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. 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






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






3. Turning fouetta.






4. 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.






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






6. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






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






10. 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.






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






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






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






14. To glide. A traveling step executed by gliding the working foot from the fifth position in the required direction - the other foot closing to it.






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






16. To prick






17. Ground to ground. Feet never leave the floor.






18. Small - little






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






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






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 Withdrawn.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






22. 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.






23. 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.






24. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






25. Male dance partner to the ballerina






26. Raised






27. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






28. Borken/breaking






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






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






31. 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.






32. Whirl - or spin






33. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






34. Seven






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






36. To the front.






37. To rock - or to swing.






38. This means 'moving' the leg.






39. Arms






40. Big - large. (movements)






41. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






43. 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.






44. A jump from both feet onto one foot






45. 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.






46. Backwards - reverse.






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






48. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






49. 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.






50. Change of the feet in the air.