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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 - little






2. 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.






3. Arms low or down. This is the dancer's 'attention.' The arms form a circle with the palms facing each other and the back edge of the hands resting on the thighs. The arms should hang quite loosely but not allowing the elbows to touch the sides.






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






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






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






7. Slow - sustained movement






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






10. Two






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






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






13. The ability to jump easily and lightly into the air. Springy - usually men.






14. To get bigger/ big fast movements






15. 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.






16. Raised






17. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






18. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






21. To escape. From 5th to second. Feet slide and don't leave floor.






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






23. To stretch out - make longer






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






25. 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.






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






27. 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.






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






29. Open - opened.






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






32. Turning fouetta.






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






34. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






35. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






37. 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.






38. Whirl - or spin






39. 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.






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






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






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






43. Connected movements on the points






44. To rock - or to swing.






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






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






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






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






49. This means 'moving' the leg.






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