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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 means to pose on one leg whilst extending the other leg to the back.






2. To the front.






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






4. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






6. 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.






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






8. Dance for four






9. Leg.






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






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






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






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






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






15. 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.






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






17. 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.






18. 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.






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






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






21. Body.






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






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






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






25. To rock - or to swing.






26. 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.






27. Slow - sustained movement






28. Borken/breaking






29. 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.






30. (Movements) in the air

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






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






33. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






35. Whirl - or spin






36. Open - opened.






37. 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.






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






39. Big - large. (movements)






40. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






42. A






43. 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.






44. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






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






48. To get bigger/ big fast movements






49. Turning fouetta.






50. 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