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






2. To prick






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






4. Inward. Indicates that the leg moves in a circular direction - counterclockewise - from the back to the front.






5. Dance for two.






6. 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.






7. Big - large. (movements)






8. Connected movements on the points






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






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






11. Arms






12. 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.






13. 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.






14. 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.






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






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






17. 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.






18. A






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






20. Running.






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






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






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






24. This means 'moving' the leg.






25. Leg.






26. Whirl - or spin






27. Male dance partner to the ballerina






28. Seven






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






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






31. Small - little






32. Behind you - movements done behind you.






33. 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.






34. To rock - or to swing.






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






36. To the front.






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






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






39. Slow - sustained movement






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






41. Step






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






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






44. To get bigger/ big fast movements






45. Change of the feet in the air.






46. Open - opened.






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






48. To lean






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






50. To stretch out - make longer