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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. (Movements) in the air

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






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






4. A






5. Dance for three






6. Open - opened.






7. Seven






8. Dance for four






9. 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.






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






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






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






13. Running.






14. 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






15. This means 'moving' the leg.






16. 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.






17. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






20. 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.






21. 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.






22. 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.






23. Borken/breaking






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






25. To lean






26. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






28. 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.






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






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






31. 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.






32. 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.






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






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






35. 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.






36. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






37. 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






38. 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.






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






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






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






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






43. Slow - sustained movement






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






45. Change of the feet in the air.






46. Whirl - or spin






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






49. Turning fouetta.






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