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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. Big - large. (movements)






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






3. 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.






4. Two






5. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






6. 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.






7. 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






8. A






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






10. 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.






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






12. To rock - or to swing.






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






14. 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.






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






16. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






18. Grand dance for two. Has a definite 5 parts.






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






20. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






21. 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.






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






23. 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.






24. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






25. Change of the feet in the air.






26. Raised






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






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






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






30. Borken/breaking






31. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






33. 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.






34. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






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






38. This means 'moving' the leg.






39. To prick






40. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






41. 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.






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






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






44. Leg.






45. A jump from both feet onto one foot






46. 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.






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






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






49. Small - little






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