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






2. 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.






3. Running.






4. Dance for two.






5. 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.






6. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






7. Behind you - movements done behind you.






8. Dance for three






9. Backwards - reverse.






10. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






11. Connected movements on the points






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






13. To rock - or to swing.






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






15. 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






16. 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.






17. Seven






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






19. Step






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






21. A jump from both feet onto one foot






22. Two






23. Whirl - or spin






24. 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.






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






26. 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.






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






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






29. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






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






33. Borken/breaking






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






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. Change of the feet in the air.






37. To prick






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






39. Dance for four






40. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






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






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






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






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






48. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






49. Arms






50. To get bigger/ big fast movements