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






2. Behind you - movements done behind you.






3. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






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






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






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






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






10. To lean






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






12. 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.






13. Borken/breaking






14. 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.






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






16. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






19. 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






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






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






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






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






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






25. Two






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






27. Developing movement. A daveloppa is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l'air and held there with perfect control.






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






29. 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.






30. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






32. Running.






33. 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.






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






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






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






37. 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.






38. 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.






39. Whirl - or spin






40. Small - half bend of the knees.






41. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






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






45. (Movements) in the air

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46. This means 'moving' the leg.






47. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






49. 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.






50. 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.