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






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






3. 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.






4. Raised






5. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






7. To get bigger/ big fast movements






8. 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.






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






10. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






11. 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.






12. Two






13. 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.






14. 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.






15. In the shape of a cross. (Front - side - back - side)






16. 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.






17. 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.






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






19. Like a bell. Refers to grand battements to the front and back sliding through first position.






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






21. Running.






22. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






24. To prick






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






26. To lean






27. 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.






28. 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






29. To rock - or to swing.






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






31. Backwards - reverse.






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






33. 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.






34. Borken/breaking






35. Dance for four






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






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






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






39. To the front.






40. A






41. Turning fouetta.






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






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






44. Arms






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. Dance for two.






47. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






48. Whirl - or spin






49. This means 'moving' the leg.






50. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.