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






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






3. Whirl - or spin






4. Dance for three






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






6. To rock - or to swing.






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






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






9. 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.






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






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






12. Dance for four






13. Backwards - reverse.






14. 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.






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






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






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






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






19. Arms






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






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






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






23. Small - little






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






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






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






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






28. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






29. 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.






30. 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.






31. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






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






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






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






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






36. Body.






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






38. Open - opened.






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






40. 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.






41. To prick






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






43. Behind you - movements done behind you.






44. 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






45. 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.






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






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






48. (Movements) in the air






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






50. 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.