BALLET HISTORY
This country is considered the birthplace of ballet.
Italy
This term means “step of the cat.”
Pas de chat
During a plié, the knees should track over these.
The toes
This ballet features a girl named Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The Nutcracker
A dancer performing "en dedans" is turning in this direction.
Inside/inward (toward the supporting/standing leg)
Ballet first developed during this historical period known for art, music, and learning.
Renaissance
This term means “to jump.”
Saute
This is the area of the body that provides stability and balance, located deep in the torso.
Core
Odette and Odile are the famous dual roles in this ballet.
Swan Lake
This method of ballet training was developed in Russia and emphasizes strength, flexibility, and clean technique.
Vaganova method
This is considered the first official ballet company in the world, founded in France in 1661.
Paris Opera Ballet
This is the ballet term for the opening and closing of the arms.
Port de bras
When balancing, your weight should be centered over this leg.
Supporting/standing leg
This ballet tells the story of a magical doll who comes to life and causes trouble in a toy shop.
Coppelia
This is the highest rank a female dancer can achieve in most ballet companies.
Principal Dancer
This French king is known as the “Sun King” and helped make ballet popular in court.
King Louis XIV
This is the act of quickly changing feet in the air during a jump.
Changement
This is what should remain stable and not sway side-to-side or lift unevenly during balances.(body part)
Pelvis
This ballet is about a peasant girl who dies of a broken heart after being betrayed.
Giselle
Ballet was originally inspired by social dances performed in these royal settings.
Court dances
This year is considered the date of the first true ballet.
1581
This is a jump where both legs beat together in the air before landing.
Entrechat
When a ballet teacher says, "Keep your square," they are usually referring to keeping these two body parts aligned and facing the same direction.
Shoulders and hips
This ballet contains the famous "Kingdom of the Shades" scene and tells the story of a temple dancer named Nikiya.
La Bayadere
This is the French term for “dance step.”
Pas