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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. Male dance partner to the ballerina






2. 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






3. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






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






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






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






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






9. 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.






10. Running.






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






12. 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.






13. Turning. Indicates that the body is to turn while executing a given step.






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. To rock - or to swing.






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






17. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






19. Open - opened.






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






21. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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 Withdrawn.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






23. 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.






24. Seven






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






26. To stretch out - make longer






27. Body.






28. 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.






29. 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.






30. 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.






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






32. To prick






33. 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.






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






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






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






37. Leg.






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






39. Change of the feet in the air.






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






41. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






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






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






46. Dance for three






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






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






49. 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.






50. 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.