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






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






3. Dance for two.






4. Body.






5. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






6. 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.






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






9. Small - little






10. Seven






11. 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.






12. Borken/breaking






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. Male dance partner to the ballerina






15. Running.






16. 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.






17. This means 'moving' the leg.






18. (Movements) in the air


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






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






21. Raised






22. 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.






23. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






24. Small - half bend of the knees.






25. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






27. To lean






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






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. To stretch out - make longer






31. Change of the feet in the air.






32. Connected movements on the points






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






34. 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.






35. 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.






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






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






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






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






40. Two






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






42. Backwards - reverse.






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






44. Dance for three






45. 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.






46. 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.






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






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






49. Whirl - or spin






50. Open - opened.