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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. 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






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






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






4. Two






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






6. 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.






7. To the front.






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






9. (Movements) in the air

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10. 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.






11. 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.






12. Connected movements on the points






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






14. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






16. Arms






17. Body.






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






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






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 Withdrawn.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






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






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






23. Change of the feet in the air.






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






25. Raised






26. To stretch out - make longer






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






28. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






29. Leg.






30. To get bigger/ big fast movements






31. Open - opened.






32. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






34. 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.






35. Slow - sustained movement






36. 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.






37. Dance for two.






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






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






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






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






42. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






43. 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.






44. Running.






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






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






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






48. Backwards - reverse.






49. 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.






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