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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. 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.






2. Backwards - reverse.






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






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






5. 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.






6. 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.






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






8. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






9. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






11. 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.






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






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






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






15. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






17. 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.






18. 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.






19. 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.






20. Turning fouetta.






21. 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.






22. 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






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






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






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






26. Whirl - or spin






27. Sating ballet slippers dancers use when dancing in sur le point.






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






29. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






30. To the front.






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






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






33. Seven






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






35. Term used to describe the ability of a dancer to raise and hold her extended leg en l'air.






36. 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.






37. Dance for three






38. Running.






39. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






40. Arms






41. Leg.






42. Dance for four






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






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






45. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






46. Small - half bend of the knees.






47. Step






48. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






50. Two