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






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






3. Big - large. (movements)






4. 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.






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






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






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






8. Step






9. Borken/breaking






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






11. Turning fouetta.






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






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






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






15. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






16. 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.






17. Body.






18. Slow - sustained movement






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






20. Two






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






22. Interweaving or braiding. A step of beating in which the dancer jumps into the air and rapidly crosses the legs before and behind each other.






23. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






24. To rock - or to swing.






25. 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.






26. Change of the feet in the air.






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






28. (Movements) in the air


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






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






31. 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.






32. This means 'moving' the leg.






33. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






35. Backwards - reverse.






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






37. 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.






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






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






40. Male dance partner to the ballerina






41. 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.






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






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






44. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






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






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






48. Raised






49. 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.






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