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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. This means 'moving' the leg.






2. 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.






3. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






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






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






7. 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






8. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






10. Grand dance for two. Has a definite 5 parts.






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






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






13. Dance for two.






14. Backwards - reverse.






15. To lean






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






17. Whirl - or spin






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






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






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






21. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






22. To turn in a walk. The dancer turns slowly in place on one foot by a series of slight movements of the heel to the required side while maintaining a definite pose.






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






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






25. Small - little






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






27. Chains - links. A series of rapid turns on the points or demi-pointes done in a straight line or circle.






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






29. 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.






30. Big - large. (movements)






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






32. 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.






33. 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






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






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






36. 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.






37. To stretch out - make longer






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






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






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






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






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






43. 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.






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






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






46. 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.






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






48. 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.






49. 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.






50. To get bigger/ big fast movements