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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 jeta is done in all directions and in a circle.






2. 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.






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






4. Male dance partner to the ballerina






5. To rock - or to swing.






6. Arms






7. 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.






8. To prick






9. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






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






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






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






14. 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.






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






16. Borken/breaking






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






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






19. 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.






20. 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.






21. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






22. Change of the feet in the air.






23. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






25. Shaded. Position in which the dancer stands at an oblique angle to the audience so that a part of the body is taken back - almost hidden from view.






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






28. Dance for four






29. 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.






30. 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.






31. Behind you - movements done behind you.






32. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






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






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






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






37. Small - little






38. Seven






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






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






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






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






43. Slow - sustained movement






44. 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






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






46. Enrico Cecchetti was a ballet teacher. He had a system of passing the tradition of ballet down to the next generation. The method has a definite program of strict routine and includes a table of principal set daily exercises for each day of the week.






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






48. 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.






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






50. Whirl - or spin