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






2. 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.






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






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






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






6. Slow - sustained movement






7. Backwards - reverse.






8. Enrico Cecchetti was a ballet teacher. He had a system of passing the tradition of ballet down to the next generation. The method has a definite program of strict routine and includes a table of principal set daily exercises for each day of the week.






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






10. Leg.






11. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






13. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






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






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






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






18. Dance for three






19. 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.






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






21. Step






22. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






24. Male dance partner to the ballerina






25. Raised






26. Connected movements on the points






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






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






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






30. 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.






31. Dance for two.






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






33. Running.






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






35. 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.






36. To lean






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






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






39. 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.






40. Whirl - or spin






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






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






43. Two






44. To rock - or to swing.






45. 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.






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






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






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. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






50. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion