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






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






3. Dance for three






4. To the front.






5. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






6. To lean






7. 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.






8. Grand dance for two. Has a definite 5 parts.






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






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






11. 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.






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 Withdrawn.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






13. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






14. Running.






15. 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.






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






17. 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.






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






19. Backwards - reverse.






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






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






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






23. Raised






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






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






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






27. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






28. 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.






29. Open - opened.






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






31. 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.






32. 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.






33. Dance for two.






34. To rock - or to swing.






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






36. Turning fouetta.






37. 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.






38. 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






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






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






41. To get bigger/ big fast movements






42. Behind you - movements done behind you.






43. 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.






44. 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.






45. Step in which the fotot goes in back coupa and you turn of a circle then do a grand jeta to complete the turn. Usually done in a circle or diagonal.






46. Body.






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






48. Dance for four






49. Male dance partner to the ballerina






50. Small - half bend of the knees.