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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. Running.






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






3. Dance for four






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






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






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. This means 'moving' the leg.






8. A






9. Big - large. (movements)






10. Change of the feet in the air.






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






12. Connected movements on the points






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






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






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






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






17. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






18. Seven






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






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






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






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






23. 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.






24. 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.






25. Small - little






26. To prick






27. 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.






28. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






30. To lean






31. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






33. To rock - or to swing.






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 Withdrawn.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






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






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






37. Raised






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






39. Dance for two.






40. 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.






41. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






43. Body.






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






45. Borken/breaking






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






47. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






50. Backwards - reverse.