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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 step traveling in a diagonal direction.






2. Whirl - or spin






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






4. 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.






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






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






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






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






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






10. Running.






11. 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.






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






13. To get bigger/ big fast movements






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






15. 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.






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






17. Big - large. (movements)






18. Leg.






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






20. To the front.






21. 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.






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






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






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






25. Body.






26. Arms






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






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






29. 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.






30. Two






31. Dance for four






32. Dance for two.






33. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






34. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






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






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






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






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






40. Seven






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






42. 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.






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






44. Borken/breaking






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






46. Small - little






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






48. Connected movements on the points






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






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