Test your basic knowledge |

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. 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.






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






3. 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.






4. Running.






5. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






13. Backwards - reverse.






14. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






15. Borken/breaking






16. Royal. A changement in which the calves are beaten together before the feet change position.






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






18. 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.






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






20. To prick






21. 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.






22. 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.






23. 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.






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






25. This means 'moving' the leg.






26. Whirl - or spin






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






28. Male dance partner to the ballerina






29. Open - opened.






30. Small - half bend of the knees.






31. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






33. Change of the feet in the air.






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






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






36. Arms






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






38. 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.






39. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






40. Dance for two.






41. Turning fouetta.






42. 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.






43. 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.






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






45. To the front.






46. 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.






47. (Movements) in the air

Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /var/www/html/basicversity.com/show_quiz.php on line 183


48. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






50. 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.