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






2. Seven






3. A






4. 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.






5. Arms






6. 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.






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






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






9. Borken/breaking






10. 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.






11. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






13. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






15. Small - little






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






17. Carried. Refers either to a step which is traveled in the air from one spot to another.






18. Dance for four






19. Change of the feet in the air.






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






21. Step






22. Turning fouetta.






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 Withdrawn.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






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






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






26. 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.






27. 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.






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






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






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






31. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






33. To the front.






34. Big - large. (movements)






35. Running.






36. 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.






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






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






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






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. 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.






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






43. 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.






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






45. Small - half bend of the knees.






46. Body.






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






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






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






50. To prick