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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. Arms






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






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






4. Borken/breaking






5. 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.






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






7. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






8. 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.






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






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






11. Dance for three






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






13. 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.






14. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






16. To prick






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






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






19. 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.






20. Whipped. A term applied to a whipping movement.






21. Raised






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






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






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






25. Open - opened.






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






27. 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






28. 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.






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






30. 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.






31. Slow - sustained movement






32. Small - little






33. Two






34. 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.






35. Big - large. (movements)






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






37. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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






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






41. A stationary handrail that is used during ballet warm up exercises. The term also refers to the exercises that are performed at the barre - as well as that part of a ballet class that incorporates barre exercises. Much of a ballet dancer's training t






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






44. A






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






46. Leg.






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






48. 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.






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






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