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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. Two






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






3. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






5. Whirl - or spin






6. 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






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






8. Small - half bend of the knees.






9. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






11. Step






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






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






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






15. To rock - or to swing.






16. 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.






17. Change of the feet in the air.






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. 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.






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






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






22. 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.






23. Dance for four






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






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






26. 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.






27. Slow - sustained movement






28. To the second. Applies to legs or arms. Second position.






29. To get bigger/ big fast movements






30. A






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






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






33. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






36. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






38. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






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






41. 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.






42. Small - little






43. 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.






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






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






46. (Movements) in the air

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47. To prick






48. Dance for two.






49. 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.






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