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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. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






2. 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.






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






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






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






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






7. Over. Indicates that the working foot passes in front of the supporting foot.






8. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






9. Leg.






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






11. Backwards - reverse.






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






13. 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.






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






15. 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.






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. 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.






18. Dance for three






19. 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.






20. 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.






21. Step






22. Borken/breaking






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






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






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






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






27. 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






28. To the front.






29. 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.






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






31. (Movements) in the air


32. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






35. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






36. 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.






37. A jump from both feet onto one foot






38. Change of the feet in the air.






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






40. To prick






41. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






42. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






44. Turning fouetta.






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






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






47. Big - large. (movements)






48. Running.






49. Raised






50. A ballet fan or enthusiast. The word was invented in Russia in the early nineteenth century.