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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 jeta is done in all directions and in a circle.






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






3. 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.






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






5. A jump from both feet onto one foot






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






7. 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.






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






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






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






11. Separated or thrown apart. Body position.






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






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






14. 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.






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






16. Enrico Cecchetti was a ballet teacher. He had a system of passing the tradition of ballet down to the next generation. The method has a definite program of strict routine and includes a table of principal set daily exercises for each day of the week.






17. 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.






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






19. Change of the feet in the air.






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






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






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






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






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






25. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






27. Dance for two.






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






29. Outward. Leg moves clockwise in a circular motion






30. Turning fouetta.






31. This means 'moving' the leg.






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






33. Behind you - movements done behind you.






34. Big - large. (movements)






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






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






37. Small - half bend of the knees.






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






39. Open - opened.






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






41. Connected movements on the points






42. (Movements) in the air


43. Small - little






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






45. 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.






46. A march in which two steps are taken forward on the demi-pointes and then the third step is taken flat with the supporting knee bent in fondu and the other leg raised in front.






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






48. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






49. Dance for four






50. Step