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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. 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.






2. Whirl - or spin






3. Open - opened.






4. Arms






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






6. To lean






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






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






9. Male dance partner to the ballerina






10. This means 'moving' the leg.






11. A ballet fan or enthusiast. The word was invented in Russia in the early nineteenth century.






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






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






14. 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.






15. Backwards - reverse.






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






17. Turning fouetta.






18. 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






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






20. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






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






23. To prick






24. A






25. Turning. Indicates that the body is to turn while executing a given step.






26. 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.






27. Small - half bend of the knees.






28. To rock - or to swing.






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






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






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






32. Dance for four






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






34. Body.






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






36. (Movements) in the air

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37. 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.






38. Whipped. A term applied to a whipping movement.






39. Step






40. To the front.






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






42. 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.






43. 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.






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






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






46. Big - large. (movements)






47. 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.






48. 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.






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






50. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.