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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. Whirl - or spin






2. 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






3. Running.






4. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






7. Dance for four






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






9. 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.






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






11. To stretch out - make longer






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






13. Arms






14. Step






15. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






17. To rock - or to swing.






18. Backwards - reverse.






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






20. Turning fouetta.






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






22. 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






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






24. Borken/breaking






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






26. Leg.






27. To prick






28. 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.






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






30. Raised






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






32. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






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






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






36. Small - little






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






38. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






39. To the front.






40. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






42. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






43. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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






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






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






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






49. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






50. Small - half bend of the knees.