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. Whirl - or spin






2. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






3. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






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






7. Connected movements on the points






8. Dance for two.






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






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






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






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






14. To rock - or to swing.






15. A






16. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






19. 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.






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






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






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






23. 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.






24. 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.






25. 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.






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






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






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






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






30. Small - little






31. Behind you - movements done behind you.






32. To get bigger/ big fast movements






33. 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






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






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






36. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






38. 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.






39. Borken/breaking






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






41. 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.






42. 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.






43. Dance for four






44. 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






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






46. Dance for three






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






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






49. Change of the feet in the air.






50. 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.