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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. To prick






2. 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.






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






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






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






6. 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.






7. (Movements) in the air

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






9. Under. Indicates that the working foot passes behind the supporting foot.






10. 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






11. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






12. 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.






13. To get bigger/ big fast movements






14. 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.






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






16. Dance for four






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






18. 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.






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






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






21. Two






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






23. Running.






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






25. Basque jump. A traveling step in which the dancer turns in the air with one foot drawn up to the knee of the other leg. Fifth position are foot front.






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






27. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






28. 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.






29. 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.






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






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






32. Dance for three






33. A jump from both feet onto one foot






34. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






35. Raised






36. To rock - or to swing.






37. Borken/breaking






38. To the second. Applies to legs or arms. Second position.






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






40. To the front.






41. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






44. 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.






45. Step






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






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






48. Connected movements on the points






49. To stretch out - make longer






50. Withdrawn. A position in which the thigh is raised to the second position.