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






2. 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.






3. Raised






4. 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.






5. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






8. 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.






9. To the front.






10. 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






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






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






13. Open - opened.






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






15. Male dance partner to the ballerina






16. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






17. To prick






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






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






20. Behind you - movements done behind you.






21. Connected movements on the points






22. 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.






23. Backwards - reverse.






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






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






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






27. Dance for four






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






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






30. Dance for three






31. Borken/breaking






32. 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.






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






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






35. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






37. Small - little






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






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






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






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






42. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






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






45. Step






46. 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.






47. 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.






48. Running.






49. 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.






50. To lean