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






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






3. Connected movements on the points






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






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






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






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 Withdrawn.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






8. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






14. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






16. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






17. To get bigger/ big fast movements






18. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






19. 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






20. 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.






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






22. 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.






23. 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.






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






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






26. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






27. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






28. 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.






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






30. 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






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






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






33. Leg.






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






35. Step






36. Change of the feet in the air.






37. 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.






38. 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.






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






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






41. Big - large. (movements)






42. Two






43. To the front.






44. 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.






45. Arms






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






47. Backwards - reverse.






48. Small - half bend of the knees.






49. 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.






50. 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.