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






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






3. 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.






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






5. Leg.






6. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






7. 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.






8. Step






9. Slow - sustained movement






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






11. Male dance partner to the ballerina






12. 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.






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






14. 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






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






16. To prick






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






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






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






20. 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.






21. Dance for two.






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






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






24. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






25. Arms






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






27. Connected movements on the points






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






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






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






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






32. Dance for four






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






34. 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.






35. Dance for three






36. Turning fouetta.






37. Whirl - or spin






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 Withdrawn.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






39. Change of the feet in the air.






40. To get bigger/ big fast movements






41. Raised






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






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






44. Running.






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






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






47. 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.






48. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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