Ballet Terminology Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. During a rond de jambe à terre, the teacher asks for en dehors. Which path should the working leg generally follow?
From the back through the side toward the front
In a circle made only by the lower leg below the knee
Directly from a bent knee into a forward extension
From the front through the side toward the back
2. Why are many ballet-class exercises first practiced at the barre?
To mark the boundary between the stage and audience
To provide support while dancers work on placement, balance, and technique
To determine the tempo of each musical exercise
To replace the need for a supporting leg during movements
3. Several dancers perform coordinated ensemble passages behind the principal performers. Which term best describes this group?
The pas de deux
The grand allegro
The port de bras
The corps de ballet
4. While practicing pirouettes, a dancer keeps returning their gaze quickly to the same point. Which technique are they using?
Épaulement
Balancé
Spotting
En croix
5. In a traveling combination, which description best matches a glissade?
A vertical jump in which the legs beat together several times
A slow turn performed with one leg extended to the side
A rise onto demi-pointe followed by a controlled backward bend
A low, gliding traveling jump in which one foot opens and the other closes
6. A teacher asks a dancer to add épaulement rather than facing the torso and head squarely forward. What should the dancer refine?
The speed at which the feet close into fifth position
The height reached during a traveling jump
The coordinated shaping of the shoulders, head, and upper body
The degree to which the supporting heel rises from the floor
7. A dancer performs a tendu à la seconde. Which action best matches the instruction?
Slide the working foot to the side until the foot is fully pointed
Lift the working leg behind the body with the knee straight
Draw the working foot up the supporting leg to the knee
Circle the working leg from the back toward the front
8. A dancer launches into a large traveling leap, taking off from one foot and landing on the other with the legs extended in the air. What is this step?
A changement
A pas de bourrée
A soutenu
A grand jeté
9. Which action best describes an assemblé?
Jumping from two feet and landing on one with the other leg extended
Brushing one leg out, joining the feet in the air, and landing on both feet
Sliding one foot along the floor without leaving the ground
Turning on one leg while the other foot is placed near the knee
10. A class combination is labeled adagio. What movement quality should dancers expect to emphasize?
Rapid footwork and small beaten jumps
Slow, sustained movement requiring control and balance
Repeated turns performed at increasing speed
Low traveling steps performed close to the floor
11. The teacher announces a petit allegro combination. What is most likely to follow?
Slow balances with high leg extensions
A formal sequence of bows and acknowledgments
Small, quick jumps and precise footwork
Broad traveling leaps that cover the full studio
12. What is a pas de deux?
A turn completed in exactly two rotations
A step that always travels in two directions
A dance or section performed by two dancers
A combination built from two kinds of jumps
13. In first position, an instructor asks for a demi-plié. What should the dancer do?
Straighten both knees and stretch upward through the torso
Bend the knees while maintaining turnout and keeping the heels grounded
Rise onto the balls of the feet without bending the knees
Slide one foot forward while keeping its toes on the floor
14. Which description identifies an arabesque?
The dancer balances on one leg with the other extended behind
One foot rests against the supporting knee with the hip turned out
The legs cross tightly while the dancer turns
Both legs bend while the torso remains upright
15. What position should a dancer reach at the completion of a relevé?
An elevated position on demi-pointe or pointe
A jump with both feet pointed beneath the body
A deep knee bend with the heels lifted
A forward lunge with one knee bent
16. What does port de bras refer to in ballet?
The carriage and coordinated movement of the arms
The transfer of weight between the feet
A sequence of beats performed during a jump
The placement of the working foot at the ankle