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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. Change of the feet in the air.






2. A






3. Small - little






4. 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.






5. 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.






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






7. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






8. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






10. Dance for two.






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






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






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






14. Step






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






16. Small - half bend of the knees.






17. To rock - or to swing.






18. Connected movements on the points






19. 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.






20. Arms






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






22. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






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






26. Big - large. (movements)






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






28. To stretch out - make longer






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






30. Raised






31. 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.






32. Turning fouetta.






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






34. 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






35. 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.






36. 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.






37. Open - opened.






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






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






40. 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.






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






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






43. Leg.






44. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






48. To the front.






49. Seven






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