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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. Backwards - reverse.






2. Slow - sustained movement






3. Borken/breaking






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






5. Arms






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






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






8. 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






9. To prick






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






11. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






13. Dance for two.






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






15. 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.






16. 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.






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






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






19. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






20. 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.






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






22. Small - little






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






24. Body.






25. 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.






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. Enrico Cecchetti was a ballet teacher. He had a system of passing the tradition of ballet down to the next generation. The method has a definite program of strict routine and includes a table of principal set daily exercises for each day of the week.






28. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






30. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






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






33. To stretch out - make longer






34. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






36. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






37. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






40. A






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 - half bend of the knees.






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






44. Step in which the fotot goes in back coupa and you turn ¾ of a circle then do a grand jeta to complete the turn. Usually done in a circle or diagonal.






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






46. 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.






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






48. 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.






49. Male dance partner to the ballerina






50. Withdrawn. A position in which the thigh is raised to the second position.