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. 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. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






3. 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.






4. 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






5. 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.






6. Big - large. (movements)






7. 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.






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






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






10. Borken/breaking






11. 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.






12. 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.






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






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






15. Seven






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






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






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






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






20. Running.






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






22. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






24. 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






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






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






27. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






29. 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.






30. Dance for four






31. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






34. To prick






35. Raised






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






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






38. Backwards - reverse.






39. 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.






40. A






41. 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.






42. Two






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






44. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






45. To the front.






46. Change of the feet in the air.






47. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






50. 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.