Ballet

Question 1

Name 6 characteristics of Ballet.

Answer 1

• classical form of dance
• classical music written for the Ballet (Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker)
• Performance based on story line, follows traditions of companies
• precise steps and footwork, arm movement
• French names for steps and movements
• pointed toes, pointe shoes, torso aligned, turn-out of hips, knees, feet, highly symmetrical

Question 2

When did Ballet start historically?

Answer 2

• dating back to renaissance period: court dances were performed in France and Italy
• court dances were done at celebrations (birth of an heir, influential marriage)
• learned as part of the grooming process in order to enter into society

Question 3

What happened in the 1400’s in relation to Ballet?

Answer 3

• dances became so intricate and detailed that they had to become codified in order to maintain consistency

Question 4

Who were considered the finest dance teachers?

Answer 4

Ballet masters

Question 5

How did King Louis XIV (Sun King) contribute to Ballet?

Answer 5

• avid supporter
• beloved performer
• established the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in 1661. (world’s first ballet school)

Question 6

How did Pierre Beauchamp contribute to Ballet?

Answer 6

• Ballet master at RAD
• developed the 5 basic foot positions
• these positions are the foundation of all classical ballet steps and are universally understood

Question 7

How did Mikhail Baryshnikov contribute to Ballet?

Answer 7

• known for text book precision and brilliant technique
• principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater and the New York City Ballet
• later became a principal director of the American Ballet Theater

Question 8

How did Anna Pavlova contribute to Ballet?

Answer 8

• one of the most cherished ballerinas in Russia
• first dancers to perform in a world tour
• acclaimed for her role in “The Dying Swan” and creating the pointe shoe

Question 9

What is considered locomotion movement in Ballet?

Answer 9

• moving through space from one location to another

- run, hop, skip, jump, leap, roll

Question 10

What is considered stationary movement in Ballet?

Answer 10

• having a fixed position in space
• movement occurs around the axis of the body
• Pirouette (spin), bend, balancing on 1 foot

Question 11

Define run, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 11

• heel-toe movement

- locomotor movement

Question 12

Define leap, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 12

• from one foot to the other

- locomotor movement

Question 13

Define hop, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 13

• from one foot to the same foot

- locomotor movement

Question 14

Define jump, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 14

• two feet to two feet

- locomotor movement

Question 15

Define Chassé, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 15

• to chase
• 3 step phrase
• also referred to as a gallop
• RLR or LRL
• locomotor movement

Question 16

Define Pas de bourrée, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 16

• 3 step phrase
• back, side, front
• locomotor movement

Question 17

Define Pirouette, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 17

• to spin
• a complete turn of the body on one foot
• stationary movement

Question 18

Define Plié, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 18

• to bend
• equal bending of the knees
• stationary movement

Question 19

Define balance movements, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 19

• anything with an equilibrium

- stationary movement

Question 20

Define contraction-release, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 20

• based on inhalation and exhalation
• flexing the abdominal muscles causing the shoulders to move over the hips and the centre of the body to curve
• stationary movement

Question 21

Define fall-recovery, and state what kind of movement it is.

Answer 21

• based on falling away from and returning to equilibrium

- stationary movement