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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. 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.






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






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






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






5. Small - half bend of the knees.






6. 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.






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






8. Dance for three






9. 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.






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






11. Ground to ground. Feet never leave the floor.






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






13. Two






14. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






15. Seven






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






17. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






18. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






19. 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.






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






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






22. To stretch out - make longer






23. Open - opened.






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






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






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






27. Small - little






28. Developing movement. A daveloppa is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l'air and held there with perfect control.






29. To prick






30. Body.






31. Dance for two.






32. Male dance partner to the ballerina






33. 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.






34. Step






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






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






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






38. 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






39. Backwards - reverse.






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






41. 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






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






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






44. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






45. 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.






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






47. Big - large. (movements)






48. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






50. Borken/breaking