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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. 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.






2. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






4. Small - little






5. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






6. 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.






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






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






9. 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






10. Slow - sustained movement






11. Connected movements on the points






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






13. Turning fouetta.






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






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






16. 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.






17. (Movements) in the air

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18. To rock - or to swing.






19. Two






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






21. To stretch out - make longer






22. Behind you - movements done behind you.






23. Dance for three






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






25. 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.






26. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






28. Seven






29. 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.






30. 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.






31. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






34. Step






35. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






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






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






39. Dance for two.






40. 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.






41. To prick






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






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






44. 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.






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






46. Sideways. Used to indicate that a step is to be made to the side - either to the right or to the left.






47. 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.






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






49. Dance for four






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