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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 rock - or to swing.






2. 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.






3. Seven






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






5. Dance for three






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






7. 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.






8. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






9. 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






10. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






11. To stretch out - make longer






12. Body.






13. Running.






14. Big - large. (movements)






15. 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.






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






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






18. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






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






21. Dance for two.






22. 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.






23. 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






24. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






26. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






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






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






31. A






32. Small - little






33. Step






34. 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.






35. Leg.






36. Connected movements on the points






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






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






39. 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.






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






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






42. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






48. 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.






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






50. Behind you - movements done behind you.