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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 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.






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






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






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






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






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






8. Open - opened.






9. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






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






13. Raised






14. Step






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






16. Dance for three






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






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






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






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






21. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






24. To lean






25. To get bigger/ big fast movements






26. Leg.






27. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






29. Connected movements on the points






30. 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.






31. Body.






32. Whirl - or spin






33. 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.






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






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






36. 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.






37. Running.






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






39. 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.






40. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






41. Seven






42. To the front.






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






44. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






46. Change of the feet in the air.






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






48. Dance for two.






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






50. 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.