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






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






3. A jump from both feet onto one foot






4. 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.






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






6. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






7. 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.






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






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






10. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






12. 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.






13. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






14. 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.






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






16. 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.






17. Connected movements on the points






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






19. 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.






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






21. 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.






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






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






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






25. 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






26. Fish. A position of the body in which the legs are crossed in the fifth position and held tightly together with the back arched. This pose is taken while jumping into the air.






27. Change of the feet in the air.






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






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






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






31. 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.






32. To lean






33. Step






34. Whirl - or spin






35. 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






36. Dance for two.






37. Royal. A changement in which the calves are beaten together before the feet change position.






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






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






40. 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.






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






42. 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.






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






44. Slow - sustained movement






45. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






46. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






47. Dance for four






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






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






50. To prick