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






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






3. Dance for four






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






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






6. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






9. To lean






10. 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.






11. Open - opened.






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






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






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






15. 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.






16. 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.






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






18. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






19. 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






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






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






22. 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.






23. 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.






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






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






26. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






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






29. 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.






30. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






31. Backwards - reverse.






32. To prick






33. To get bigger/ big fast movements






34. Small - little






35. Arms






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






37. Change of the feet in the air.






38. 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






39. Seven






40. Big - large. (movements)






41. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






42. Running.






43. 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.






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






45. Borken/breaking






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






47. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






48. Step






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






50. Leg.