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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. Change of the feet in the air.






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






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






4. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






7. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






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






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






11. Two






12. 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.






13. Backwards - reverse.






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






15. Behind you - movements done behind you.






16. 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.






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






18. 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.






19. Enrico Cecchetti was a ballet teacher. He had a system of passing the tradition of ballet down to the next generation. The method has a definite program of strict routine and includes a table of principal set daily exercises for each day of the week.






20. 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.






21. Dance for four






22. Dance for two.






23. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






26. Seven






27. This means to pose on one leg whilst extending the other leg to the back.






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






29. 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.






30. Raised






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






32. Dance for three






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






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






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






36. To lean






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






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






39. 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.






40. 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.






41. A






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






43. 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.






44. Connected movements on the points






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






46. To stretch out - make longer






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






48. Like a bell. Refers to grand battements to the front and back sliding through first position.






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






50. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion