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






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






3. 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.






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






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






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






7. 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.






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






9. Open - opened.






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






11. 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.






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






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






14. Arms






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






16. 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.






17. 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.






18. 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.






19. 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.






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






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






22. Raised






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






24. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






25. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






26. 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.






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






28. To prick






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






30. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






33. Seven






34. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






36. To stretch out - make longer






37. 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.






38. Small - little






39. Borken/breaking






40. Dance for four






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






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






43. Whirl - or spin






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






45. Turning fouetta.






46. 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.






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






48. 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.






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






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