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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. 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.






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






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






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






5. Big - large. (movements)






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






7. Small - little






8. Two






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






10. Small - half bend of the knees.






11. 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.






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






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






14. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






15. Running.






16. To the front.






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






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






19. Turning fouetta.






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






21. To rock - or to swing.






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






23. 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.






24. Slow - sustained movement






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






26. 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.






27. Step






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






29. Raised






30. Backwards - reverse.






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






32. A






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






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






35. 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.






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






37. 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






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






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






40. Dance for two.






41. 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.






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






43. Arms






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






45. To lean






46. 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.






47. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






50. 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.