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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. 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.






2. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






3. Dance for two.






4. Big - large. (movements)






5. (Movements) in the air

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6. 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






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






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






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






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






11. Slow - sustained movement






12. 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.






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






14. Step






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






16. 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.






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






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






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






20. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






21. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






23. To stretch out - make longer






24. Small - little






25. 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.






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






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






28. 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.






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






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






31. Change of the feet in the air.






32. Open - opened.






33. Male dance partner to the ballerina






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






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






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






37. 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






38. This means 'moving' the leg.






39. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






40. Developing movement. A daveloppa is a movement in which the working leg is drawn up to the knee of the supporting leg and slowly extended to an open position en l'air and held there with perfect control.






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






42. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






43. To lean






44. 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.






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






46. 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.






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






48. Dance for three






49. 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.






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