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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. Seven






2. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






4. Borken/breaking






5. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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






8. 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.






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






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






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






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






13. Change of the feet in the air.






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






15. 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.






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






17. 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.






18. Arms






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






20. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






22. 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.






23. Dance for four






24. Dance for three






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






26. 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.






27. Step






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






29. 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.






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






31. (Movements) in the air

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






33. 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.






34. 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






35. Flying brisa. In this brisa the dancer finishes on one foot after the beat - the other leg crossed either front or back.






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






37. Backwards - reverse.






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






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






40. 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.






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






42. Big - large. (movements)






43. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






45. A






46. To rock - or to swing.






47. Open - opened.






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






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






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