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






2. 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.






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






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






5. 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.






6. 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






7. A






8. Raised






9. A jump from both feet onto one foot






10. 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.






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






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






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






14. 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.






15. 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.






16. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






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






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






19. 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.






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






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






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 Withdrawn.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






23. Arms






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






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






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






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






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






29. Dance for two.






30. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






31. Connected movements on the points






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






33. Turning fouetta.






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






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






36. Leg.






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






38. 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.






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






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






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






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






45. 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.






46. 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.






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






48. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






49. 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.






50. To the front. Any step in front of your body.