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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. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






4. Small - half bend of the knees.






5. 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.






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






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






8. 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.






9. 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.






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






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 Withdrawn.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






12. Backwards - reverse.






13. 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.






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






15. Step






16. Dance for four






17. 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.






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






19. Borken/breaking






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






21. 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.






22. Change of the feet in the air.






23. A jump from both feet onto one foot






24. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






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






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






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






29. 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.






30. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






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






34. 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.






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






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






37. Leg.






38. Turning fouetta.






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






40. Arms






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






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






43. Dance for three






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






45. Seven






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






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






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






49. Slow - sustained movement






50. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion