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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. Whipped. A term applied to a whipping movement.






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






3. 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.






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






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






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






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






8. 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.






9. 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.






10. 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.






11. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






13. 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.






14. Connected movements on the points






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






16. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






17. Turning fouetta.






18. Small - little






19. 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.






20. Step






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






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






23. 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.






24. Running.






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






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






27. Dance for three






28. Sating ballet slippers dancers use when dancing in sur le point.






29. To lean






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






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






32. To the front.






33. Leg.






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






35. 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.






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






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






38. 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.






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






40. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






42. 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.






43. To glide. A traveling step executed by gliding the working foot from the fifth position in the required direction - the other foot closing to it.






44. To get bigger/ big fast movements






45. To turn in the air. A complete sing - double - or triple turn in the air; usually landing in 5th position.






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






47. Whirl - or spin






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






49. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






50. 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