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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. Dance for two.






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






3. 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.






4. Male dance partner to the ballerina






5. Running.






6. 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.






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






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






9. To stretch out - make longer






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






11. This means 'moving' the leg.






12. To prick






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






14. To lean






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






16. 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.






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






18. 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.






19. Step






20. 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






21. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






22. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






25. Borken/breaking






26. Seven






27. 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






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






29. Small - little






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






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






32. Dance for three






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






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






35. Turning fouetta.






36. 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.






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






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






39. To the front.






40. Open - opened.






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






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






43. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






44. Two






45. Raised






46. 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.






47. Backwards - reverse.






48. 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.






49. Change of the feet in the air.






50. Whirl - or spin