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






2. 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.






3. Round of the leg. Circular movement of the leg.






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






5. 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.






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






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






8. 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.






9. 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.






10. Shouldering. The placing of the shoulders.






11. 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.






12. A step traveling in a diagonal direction.






13. To get bigger/ big fast movements






14. 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.






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






16. Small jeta - from a demi plia.






17. Dance for four






18. 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.






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






20. 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.






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






22. 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.






23. 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.






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






25. Backwards - reverse.






26. To lean






27. Carriage of the arm. The changing of arm positions.






28. To stretch out - make longer






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






30. 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.






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






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






33. 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






34. Borken/breaking






35. 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.






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






37. 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.






38. 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.






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






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






41. Behind you - movements done behind you.






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






43. Turning fouetta.






44. Dance for three






45. Small - little






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






47. 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.






48. Dance for two.






49. Jumped - jumping. When this name is added to a step - that step is done in the air.






50. Connected movements on the points