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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. Step






2. 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.






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






4. Backwards - reverse.






5. 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.






6. To glide. A traveling step executed by gliding the working foot from the fifth position in the required direction - the other foot closing to it.






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






8. Whirl - or spin






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






10. 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.






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






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






13. Dance for three






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






15. 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.






16. Running.






17. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






18. 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.






19. Open - opened.






20. A






21. The ability to jump easily and lightly into the air. Springy - usually men.






22. To prick






23. Connected movements on the points






24. 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.






25. 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.






26. To stretch out - make longer






27. Two






28. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






29. 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.






30. Small - little






31. Developing movement. A daveloppa is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l'air and held there with perfect control.






32. Arms






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






34. Borken/breaking






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






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






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






38. To get bigger/ big fast movements






39. Behind you - movements done behind you.






40. Male dance partner to the ballerina






41. 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.






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






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






44. A jump from both feet onto one foot






45. 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.






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






47. Body.






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






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






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