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






2. Big - large. (movements)






3. Dance for two.






4. Two






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






6. Backwards - reverse.






7. 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.






8. Behind you - movements done behind you.






9. Leg.






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 Withdrawn.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






11. Seven






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






13. 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.






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






16. A






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






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






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






20. 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.






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






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






23. Turning fouetta.






24. 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.






25. 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.






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






27. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






29. 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.






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






31. 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.






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






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






34. Borken/breaking






35. 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.






36. 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






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






38. Connected movements on the points






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






47. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






48. To get bigger/ big fast movements






49. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






50. This means 'moving' the leg.