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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. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






2. 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.






3. 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.






4. Behind you - movements done behind you.






5. Dance for two.






6. Step






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






8. Change of the feet in the air.






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






10. 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.






11. 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.






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






13. Arms






14. Running.






15. Whirl - or spin






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






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






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






19. 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.






20. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






23. 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.






24. A jump from both feet onto one foot






25. Small - half bend of the knees.






26. Two






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






28. Leg.






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






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






31. 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.






32. To prick






33. 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.






34. To pose - balanced on one leg while the other leg is slightly bent at the knee - extended to either the front - side or back.






35. 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.






36. To stretch out - make longer






37. 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.






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






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






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






41. Dance for four






42. 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.






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






44. To lean






45. 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.






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






47. 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.






48. To rock - or to swing.






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






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