Ballet Terms Quiz

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Instructions: Test your knowledge of the elegant French terminology used in ballet!

1.
In ballet, what is a 'plié'?
A
A leap across the stage
B
A jump into the air
C
A bending of the knees
D
A spin on one foot
2.
What is a 'pirouette' in ballet?
A
A high kick
B
A graceful bow
C
A controlled spin on one foot
D
A series of small steps
3.
In ballet, what does 'en pointe' mean?
A
Pointing at the audience
B
Dancing on the tips of the toes in special shoes
C
Standing at the point of the stage
D
Dancing in a pointed direction
4.
What is an 'arabesque' in ballet?
A
A position where the dancer stands on one leg with the other extended behind
B
A deep curtsy
C
A costume decoration
D
A quick series of turns
5.
In ballet, what is a 'grand jeté'?
A
A large water fountain on stage
B
A large stage prop
C
A grand entrance by the lead dancer
D
A big, spectacular leap through the air with legs extended in a split
6.
What does 'pas de deux' mean in ballet?
A
A dance for two people
B
A second attempt at a step
C
Two steps backward
D
A step to the left
7.
In ballet, what is a 'barre'?
A
A type of ballet shoe
B
A horizontal handrail used for balance during exercises
C
A musical term for tempo
D
A bar of chocolate given as a reward
8.
What is a 'relevé' in ballet?
A
Rising from a flat foot to the ball of the foot or onto pointe
B
A reverent bow
C
A release of the arms
D
A relaxation pose
9.
In ballet, what does 'tendu' mean?
A
Tender or soft
B
Turned or twisted
C
Tense or stretched
D
Tempo or speed
10.
What is a 'tutu' in ballet?
A
A musical instrument in the orchestra pit
B
A warm-up exercise
C
A type of ballet step
D
A skirt worn by a ballerina
11.
In ballet, what is a 'chassé'?
A
A chase scene in the story
B
A quick change of costume
C
A gliding step where one foot chases and displaces the other
D
A bow to the conductor
12.
What does 'adagio' refer to in ballet?
A
Slow, controlled movements that emphasize balance and extension
B
The opening act of a ballet
C
Fast, lively dancing
D
Jumping and turning combinations
13.
In ballet, what are the five basic 'positions' referring to?
A
Five specific placements of the feet
B
Five stage locations
C
Five types of jumps
D
Five levels of difficulty
14.
What is a 'fouetté' in ballet?
A
A knee bend with arms overhead
B
A type of whipping turn where the working leg extends and retracts
C
A jump from two feet to one foot
D
A slow promenade around the stage
15.
In ballet, what does 'corps de ballet' mean?
A
The physical fitness requirements for dancers
B
The group of dancers who perform together as an ensemble
C
The body of the dancer
D
The ballet master's notes

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