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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. In the shape of a cross. (Front - side - back - side)






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






3. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






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






7. Dance for four






8. 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






9. 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.






10. 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.






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






12. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






15. Backwards - reverse.






16. Small - little






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






18. Dance for two.






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






20. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






21. 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.






22. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






23. 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.






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






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 Withdrawn.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






26. Whirl - or spin






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






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






29. Open - opened.






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






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






32. Borken/breaking






33. 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.






34. To lean






35. 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.






36. 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.






37. Running.






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






39. This means 'moving' the leg.






40. Big - large. (movements)






41. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






43. Leg.






44. 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.






45. Arms






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






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






48. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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