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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. A






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






3. 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.






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 Withdrawn.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






5. Bourrae step - done on pointe of demi-point.






6. 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.






7. Seven






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






9. 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.






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






11. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






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






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






16. Sating ballet slippers dancers use when dancing in sur le point.






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. 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.






19. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






21. Dance for four






22. Arms






23. Whirl - or spin






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






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






26. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






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






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






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






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






32. Dance for two.






33. Raised






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






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






36. To prick






37. Connected movements on the points






38. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






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






41. 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.






42. 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.






43. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






45. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






47. Backwards - reverse.






48. Borken/breaking






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






50. Leg.