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






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






3. 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.






4. 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.






5. 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.






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






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






8. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






10. 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.






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






12. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






13. Seven






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






15. 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






16. Small - half bend of the knees.






17. A






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






19. Dance for three






20. Leg.






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






22. Backwards - reverse.






23. 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.






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






25. Small - little






26. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






29. Borken/breaking






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






31. At the neck of the foot. Wrapped around.






32. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






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






41. Step






42. Arms






43. Running.






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






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






46. 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.






47. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






50. 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.