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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. 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.






2. To get bigger/ big fast movements






3. 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.






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 Withdrawn.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






5. Male dance partner to the ballerina






6. 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.






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






8. 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.






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






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






11. To rock - or to swing.






12. Open - opened.






13. Slow - sustained movement






14. Turning fouetta.






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






16. 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.






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






18. Small - little






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






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






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






22. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






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






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






26. To lean






27. To stretch out - make longer






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






29. (Movements) in the air


30. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






31. To prick






32. Dance for four






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






34. Running.






35. 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.






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






37. A jump from both feet onto one foot






38. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






41. Seven






42. Backwards - reverse.






43. Arms






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






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






46. 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.






47. 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.






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






49. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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