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






2. 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.






3. 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.






4. Seven






5. Connected movements on the points






6. 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.






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






8. 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.






9. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






10. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






11. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






13. 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.






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






15. A






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






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






19. To the front. Any step in front of your body.






20. Slow - sustained movement






21. Raised






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






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






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






25. Dance for two.






26. 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






27. 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.






28. Step of the cat. Jump where legs come up to double passa.






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






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






31. To the front.






32. Backwards - reverse.






33. 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.






34. 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.






35. Carriage of the arm. The changing of arm positions.






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






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






38. To get bigger/ big fast movements






39. Turning fouetta.






40. 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.






41. Dance for four






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






43. Body.






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






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






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






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






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






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






50. 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.