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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. At the neck of the foot. Wrapped around.






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






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






4. 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.






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






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






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






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






9. 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.






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






11. 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.






12. 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.






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






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






15. 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.






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






17. 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.






18. 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.






19. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






20. Turning fouetta.






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






22. Slow - sustained movement






23. To prick






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






25. Body.






26. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






27. Open - opened.






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






29. Behind you - movements done behind you.






30. To rock - or to swing.






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






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






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






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






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






36. 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.






37. A jump from both feet onto one foot






38. 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.






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






40. Raised






41. Two






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






43. 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.






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






45. Dance for two.






46. Backwards - reverse.






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






48. To lean






49. 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.






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