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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > Arts & Humanities

Ballet Terminology Practice Quiz

Test your ballet knowledge with engaging practice questions

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 7
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Ballet Lingo Blitz trivia quiz engaging high school dance students in a rapid-fire challenge.

What does 'plié' mean in ballet?
A bending of the knees
A jump into the air
A turning movement
A sweeping arm gesture
A plié is a fundamental ballet movement that involves bending the knees. It is used to prepare for jumps and turns while promoting proper alignment and control.
What is a 'tendu' in ballet terminology?
A jump off the ground
A spinning motion on one foot
A deep bending of the knees
An extension where the foot slides along the floor with pointed toes
Tendu means 'stretched' in French and describes the movement of extending the leg along the floor with a pointed toe. This exercise is essential for developing precision and strength in footwork.
Which term refers to rising up onto the toes in ballet?
Plié
Relevé
Sauté
Pirouette
Relevé is the movement of rising onto the toes or the balls of the feet and is fundamental for balance. This action is commonly used in preparation for jumps and turns.
What does 'arabesque' refer to in ballet?
A fast spin on one foot
A series of bending knee exercises
A quick jump forward
A position with one leg extended behind the body
An arabesque is a classic ballet position where the dancer supports their weight on one leg and extends the other leg straight behind. This position creates a beautiful, elongated line and is a staple in ballet technique.
Which term best defines 'port de bras' in ballet?
A turning motion
The graceful movement of the arms
A lower body exercise
A type of jump
Port de bras, meaning 'carriage of the arms,' refers to the elegant and coordinated movements of the upper body in ballet. It enhances the overall expression and fluidity of a dancer's performance.
What is a 'pirouette' in ballet?
A complete spin on one leg
A leap executed with both feet
A quick foot tap
A slow bending movement
A pirouette is a fundamental turning movement where the dancer rotates on one leg while the other is held in position. Executing a clean pirouette requires balance, control, and precise spotting.
What does 'jeté' refer to in ballet?
A leap where one foot 'throws' off the floor toward the landing on the other foot
A turning movement due to rapid arm actions
A static position with extended legs
A slow slide along the floor
Jeté, which means 'thrown' in French, describes a jump where the dancer propels one leg forward while landing on the other foot. It demonstrates the dancer's ability to generate momentum and execute dynamic movements.
What is 'entrechat' in ballet terminology?
A deep knee bend followed by a jump
A jump where the dancer rapidly crosses their legs in mid-air
A slow, sustained arm movement
A graceful pivot on one foot
Entrechat involves a jump where the legs cross in the air several times before landing. This quick, intricate movement demands agility and precise coordination, making it a challenging element in ballet.
What does the term 'adagio' indicate in ballet?
Fast, explosive leaps
Rapid turning motions
Quick ankle strikes
Slow, controlled movements
Adagio refers to slow, deliberate movements that emphasize control, balance, and fluid transitions. These exercises allow dancers to refine their technique and focus on precision in movement.
What does 'sauté' in ballet refer to?
A gliding step while remaining on the ground
A slow bending movement of the knees
A jump off the floor with both feet leaving simultaneously
A spinning movement on one foot
Sauté comes from the French word for 'to jump' and represents a basic jump where both feet leave the floor together. It is essential for building leg strength and mastering proper landing technique.
What is meant by 'rond de jambe' in ballet?
A jump with a split in the air
A circular movement of the leg
A rapid turn on one foot
A series of small foot taps
Rond de jambe translates to 'circle of the leg' and involves moving the leg in a circular pattern either on the floor or in the air. This exercise is important for developing hip mobility and leg flexibility.
In ballet, what does 'ballotté' refer to?
A slow sliding step on the floor
A rapid kick forward with the leg
A spinning movement with reduced leg motion
A bouncing movement where the dancer rocks from a plié to a rebound on the same leg
Ballotté involves a light, bouncing action where the dancer transitions from a plié to a rebound with a controlled motion. This movement integrates rhythm with strength and control, making it integral to ballet technique.
What is a 'glissade' in ballet?
A full turn performed while gliding
A quick, hopping jump on both feet
A gliding step that transitions weight from one foot to the other
An extended leg position held statically
Glissade, meaning 'to glide,' is a smooth step that transfers weight from one foot to the other. It is often used as a connecting movement in dance sequences, requiring fluidity and even weight distribution.
Which ballet term indicates a quick detachment of the foot from the floor with a light touch?
Relevé
Plié
Degagé
Tendu
Degagé involves the foot quickly lifting off the floor, often brushing it lightly before returning. This movement requires speed and precision, distinguishing it from the continuous contact seen in tendu.
What does 'assemblé' refer to in ballet?
An isolated arm movement
A deep bending action of the knee
A jump where the feet are gathered together in mid-air before landing
A slow turn on the supporting leg
Assemblé is a jump where the dancer takes off from one foot, the legs come together in mid-air, and lands simultaneously on both feet. This movement tests coordination and the ability to generate lift while maintaining control.
What distinguishes a 'fouetté' from a standard pirouette in ballet?
It is a slow, deliberate turn using a plié
It is performed only on two feet
It involves a whipping motion of the raised leg to generate additional momentum
It focuses solely on arm movements without a turn
A fouetté turn features a distinctive whipping action of the raised leg, which adds dynamism and aids in sustaining rotation. This complexity sets it apart from a standard pirouette, where the leg remains more static during the turn.
Which ballet term describes a series of quick, small jumps that emphasize agility and precise footwork?
Petit allegro
Développé
Relevé
Adagio
Petit allegro consists of rapid, small jumps that focus on quick footwork and agility. These exercises challenge the dancer to maintain precision and speed, essential qualities in many classical ballet routines.
How does balance play a crucial role in executing adagio sequences in ballet?
It creates a disjointed appearance that distracts from the movement
It only affects the arm movements, not the legs
It allows the dancer to maintain control during slow transitions and weight shifts
It is irrelevant in slow movements but important in jumps
Adagio sequences rely heavily on balance to execute slow, controlled movements with fluid weight transitions. A strong sense of balance ensures that each deliberate movement is stable and seamlessly connected.
Which term best describes the slow, controlled raising and extension of the leg from a plié into full extension?
Grand jeté
Développé
Plié
Sauté
Développé is the term for the gradual unfolding of the leg from a bent position to full extension. This controlled movement requires strength, flexibility, and precise coordination, setting it apart from more explosive actions like leaps.
What distinguishes a 'pirouette en dehors' from a 'pirouette en dedans' in ballet?
The use of arm positions rather than leg movements
The height of the jump executed during the turn
The direction of the turn, with 'en dehors' meaning outward and 'en dedans' meaning inward to the supporting leg
The speed of the turn only
The terms 'en dehors' and 'en dedans' specify the direction of the turn in a pirouette. 'En dehors' means turning away from the supporting leg, while 'en dedans' indicates turning towards it, a subtle yet crucial distinction in ballet technique.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand fundamental ballet terminology by recalling accurate definitions.
  2. Apply key ballet terms to analyze and describe dance movements.
  3. Differentiate between similar ballet positions and movements using precise vocabulary.
  4. Evaluate the correct usage of ballet terms in practical dance scenarios.
  5. Recall essential vocabulary rapidly to support exam preparedness.

Ballet Terminology Quiz: Study & Review Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the Five Basic Positions of the Feet - These foundational positions are the building blocks of all ballet movements. Understanding and practicing them will enhance your technique and balance. Spend a few minutes each day cycling through each position to build muscle memory and confidence. Explore Ballet Positions
    2. ABT Ballet Dictionary
  2. Perfect Your Plié - A plié, meaning "bent," involves bending the knees while keeping the feet turned out. It's essential for developing flexibility and preparing for jumps. Remember to keep your spine straight and heels grounded to maintain proper alignment. Ballet Vocabulary Guide
    3. PBT Ballet Vocabulary
  3. Understand the Arabesque - An arabesque is a position where the dancer stands on one leg with the other extended behind. It's a fundamental pose that showcases balance and grace. Try varying the height of your back leg to challenge your core strength and control. Arabesque Definition
    4. ABT Ballet Dictionary
  4. Learn the Importance of Port de Bras - This term refers to the movement and positioning of the arms. Proper port de bras adds expressiveness and fluidity to your dancing. Practice soft, controlled arm transitions to ensure elegance in every phrase. Port de Bras Tips
    5. PBT Ballet Vocabulary
  5. Practice the Tendu - A tendu involves extending the foot along the floor to the front, side, or back. It's crucial for developing strength and precision in the legs and feet. Focus on articulate toes and a straight supporting leg for maximum control. Tendu Techniques
    6. Art de Ballet Dictionary
  6. Get Familiar with the Pirouette - A pirouette is a complete turn of the body on one foot. Mastering this move requires balance, coordination, and spotting technique. Use a strong core and keep your gaze fixed on a single point to avoid dizziness. Pirouette Pointers
    7. Dummies Ballet Terms
  7. Explore the Grand Jeté - This is a large leap where the dancer splits their legs mid-air. It's a spectacular move that combines strength and flexibility. Warm up properly and land softly through plié to protect your joints. Grand Jeté Guide
    8. Dummies Ballet Terms
  8. Understand the Role of the Corps de Ballet - The corps de ballet is the backbone of every ballet company, performing as a group to support the principal dancers. Their unity and synchronization are vital to a performance. Practice counting music and staying aware of spacing to blend seamlessly. Corps de Ballet Insights
    9. PBT Ballet Vocabulary
  9. Learn About Pas de Deux - This term refers to a dance duet performed by two dancers, often a male and a female. It's a highlight in many ballets, showcasing partnership and harmony. Work on timing and trust to execute lifts and coordinated steps flawlessly. Pas de Deux Basics
    10. Art de Ballet Dictionary
  10. Familiarize Yourself with the Tutu - A tutu is a skirt used in classical ballet made of many layers of tulle or netting. It comes in various styles, each serving a different aesthetic and functional purpose. Make sure it fits correctly to allow full range of motion without slipping. Tutu Types Explained
    11. PBT Ballet Vocabulary
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