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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. 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. Raised






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






4. Closed sissone. Low elevation and a quick tempo - this sissonne finishes on two feet with the working foot gliding along the floor into the demi-plia in the fifth position.






5. Whirl - or spin






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






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






8. Step






9. 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.






10. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






12. 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.






13. Turning fouetta.






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






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






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






17. To face hips square. Not particularly to the front.






18. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






19. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






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






22. 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.






23. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






26. To stretch out - make longer






27. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






28. To prick






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






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






31. 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.






32. 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.






33. To get bigger/ big fast movements






34. The working foot slides from the first or fifth position to the second or fourth position without lifting the toe from the ground.






35. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






37. 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






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






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






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






41. 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.






42. 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.






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






44. Two






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






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






47. Leg.






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






49. Open - opened.






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