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






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






3. 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






4. 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.






5. Body.






6. Male dance partner to the ballerina






7. Running.






8. Change of the feet in the air.






9. Leg.






10. 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.






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






12. To the front.






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






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






15. 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.






16. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






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






18. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






19. Slow - sustained movement






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






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






22. 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.






23. A






24. Fish. A position of the body in which the legs are crossed in the fifth position and held tightly together with the back arched. This pose is taken while jumping into the air.






25. Turning fouetta.






26. Behind you - movements done behind you.






27. 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.






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. 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. Borken/breaking






31. To lean






32. 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.






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






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 Withdrawn.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






35. Raised






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






37. Dance for two.






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






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






40. 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.






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. 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.






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






44. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






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






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. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






50. To prick