Test your basic knowledge |

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






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






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






4. Connected movements on the points






5. Small - little






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. Raised






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






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






10. Behind you - movements done behind you.






11. Borken/breaking






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






13. Dance for four






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






15. 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






16. 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.






17. To the front.






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






19. Whirl - or spin






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






21. 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.






22. (Movements) in the air


23. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






26. Dance for two.






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






28. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






29. Turning fouetta.






30. 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.






31. Slow - sustained movement






32. To get bigger/ big fast movements






33. Dance for three






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






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. Step






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






38. 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.






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






40. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






43. This term is used for a fault in which the dancer turns his or her foot in from the ankle - thereby breaking the straight line of the leg.






44. Leg.






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






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






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






48. Open - opened.






49. Seven






50. Arms