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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. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






4. Connected movements on the points






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






6. Backwards - reverse.






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






8. Dance for two.






9. 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.






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






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






12. 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.






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






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






15. 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.






16. Behind you - movements done behind you.






17. 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.






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






19. Whirl - or spin






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






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






22. To prick






23. 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.






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






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






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






27. 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.






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






29. Dance for four






30. Dance for three






31. To lean






32. To stretch out - make longer






33. A






34. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






35. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






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






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. 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






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






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






42. 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.






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






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






45. Slow - sustained movement






46. Arms






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






48. 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.






49. Raised






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