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






2. 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.






3. 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.






4. Turning fouetta.






5. 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.






6. Step






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






8. To the front.






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






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






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






12. Dance for two.






13. To lean






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






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 Withdrawn.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






16. A march in which two steps are taken forward on the demi-pointes and then the third step is taken flat with the supporting knee bent in fondu and the other leg raised in front.






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






18. Whirl - or spin






19. 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.






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






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






22. Dance for three






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






24. 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.






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






26. 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.






27. To rock - or to swing.






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






29. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






30. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






32. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






34. Small - half bend of the knees.






35. 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.






36. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






38. 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.






39. Big - large. (movements)






40. Arms






41. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






43. To prick






44. Connected movements on the points






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






46. Backwards - reverse.






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. 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. Small jeta - from a demi plia.