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






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






3. 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.






4. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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






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






8. This means 'moving' the leg.






9. 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.






10. Sinking down. A term used to describe a lowering of the body made by bending the knee of the supporting leg.






11. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






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






14. Open - opened.






15. Backwards - reverse.






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






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






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






19. Turning fouetta.






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






21. Dance for four






22. Whirl - or spin






23. Connected movements on the points






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






25. 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.






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






27. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






28. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






30. Male dance partner to the ballerina






31. Borken/breaking






32. Bourrae step - done on pointe of demi-point.






33. (Movements) in the air


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






35. To stretch out - make longer






36. 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.






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






38. To prick






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






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






41. To rock - or to swing.






42. 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.






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






44. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






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






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






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






49. A






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