Test your basic knowledge |

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






2. To rock - or to swing.






3. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






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






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






7. A jump from both feet onto one foot






8. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






9. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






10. 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.






11. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






12. 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.






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






14. 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.






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






16. 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.






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






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






19. Bent or bending. Bending of the knee or knees






20. 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.






21. Two






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






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. Small - little






25. To turn in a walk. The dancer turns slowly in place on one foot by a series of slight movements of the heel to the required side while maintaining a definite pose.






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






27. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






30. To the front.






31. Withdrawn. A position in which the thigh is raised to the second position.






32. Dance for two.






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






34. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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. Dance for four






37. 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.






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






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






40. 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.






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. Sating ballet slippers dancers use when dancing in sur le point.






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






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






45. 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.






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






47. 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.






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






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






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