The Ultimate Quiz On Ballet
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When a ballerina dances "en pointe", what is she doing?
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Dancing On Her Toes
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Being Lifted By Another Dancer
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Doing The Splits
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Leaping Through The Air
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There are so many interesting facts about ballet. How much do you know the subject? If you are a ballerina or just a fan, then this quiz is for you. Get to learn more about ballet below.
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- 2.
When ballet dancers talk of "turnout", what do they mean?
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Arms Extended Above Head
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Standing On One Foot
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Feet Turned Out, Away From Body
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Knees Bent Deeply
Correct Answer
A. Feet Turned Out, Away From BodyExplanation
When ballet dancers talk about "turnout," they are referring to the position of their feet. Turnout means that the dancer's feet are rotated outward and away from the body, with the heels facing each other and the toes pointing outward. This position is important in ballet as it allows for greater range of movement and flexibility in the legs and hips, enabling dancers to perform various steps and movements with grace and precision.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In ballet, what type of move is a "jete"?
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Turn
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Jump
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Tip-Toe
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Slide
Correct Answer
A. JumpExplanation
A "jete" in ballet refers to a jump. It is a dynamic movement where the dancer propels themselves off the ground, extending their legs and often performing a split in mid-air. This move requires strength, control, and precision from the dancer to execute it correctly.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which city's famous ballet company often performs in Lincoln Center?
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Los Angeles
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Chicago
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Boston
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New York
Correct Answer
A. New YorkExplanation
The correct answer is New York because Lincoln Center is located in New York City, and it is known for hosting various performances, including ballet. The famous ballet company that often performs there is not specified in the question.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In the ballet "The Nutcracker", who or what attacks Clara and the Nutcracker?
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Mice
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Boys
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Sugar Plum Fairies
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Walnuts
Correct Answer
A. MiceExplanation
In the ballet "The Nutcracker", Clara and the Nutcracker are attacked by mice. This is a pivotal scene in the story where the Mouse King and his army of mice engage in a battle with the Nutcracker and his soldiers. The mice are portrayed as the antagonists in this scene, creating tension and conflict in the ballet.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the term indicating that a ballet step is to be made towards the audience?
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En Avant
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Envers
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Advance
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Leading
Correct Answer
A. En AvantExplanation
En Avant is the correct answer because it is a ballet term that means "forward" or "towards the audience." When a ballet step is to be made towards the audience, dancers are instructed to move en avant. This term is used to indicate the direction in which the step or movement should be performed, ensuring that the dancer is facing the audience and moving towards them.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What sport were the five ballet positions inspired by?
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Fencing
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Polo
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Volleyball
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Swimming
Correct Answer
A. FencingExplanation
The five ballet positions were inspired by fencing. Fencing is a sport that involves precise footwork, balance, and coordination. Similarly, ballet requires dancers to have precise foot placement, balance, and coordination. The positions in ballet, known as the five positions of the feet, were developed to provide a solid foundation for dancers and allow for graceful movement and control. The influence of fencing can be seen in the emphasis on proper alignment and the use of turned-out positions in ballet, which are similar to the en garde stance in fencing.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What famous choreographer was one of the founders of the New York City Ballet?
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George Balanchine
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Jacques D'Amboise
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Darci Kistler
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Lincoln Kirstein
Correct Answer
A. George BalanchineExplanation
George Balanchine is the correct answer because he was indeed one of the founders of the New York City Ballet. He co-founded the company in 1948 along with Lincoln Kirstein. Balanchine is widely regarded as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century and his work with the New York City Ballet helped establish it as one of the premier ballet companies in the world.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In the ballet "Giselle", what are the "wilis"?
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Peasants
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Ghosts
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Nymphs
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Sausages
Correct Answer
A. GhostsExplanation
In the ballet "Giselle," the "wilis" refer to ghosts. The wilis are supernatural spirits of young women who died before their wedding day. They are known for their ethereal beauty and haunting presence. In the ballet, they are depicted as a group of ghostly maidens who seek revenge on men by dancing them to death. The wilis play a significant role in the second act of the ballet, where their ghostly presence creates a chilling and otherworldly atmosphere.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who was the principal male ballet dancer of the American Ballet Theatre from 1974 to 1979?
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Mikhail Baryshnikov
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Vladimir Nijinsky
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Julio Bocca
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Maximiliano Guerra
Correct Answer
A. Mikhail BaryshnikovExplanation
Mikhail Baryshnikov was the principal male ballet dancer of the American Ballet Theatre from 1974 to 1979. He is a renowned Russian-American ballet dancer and choreographer. Baryshnikov's talent and skill made him one of the most celebrated and influential dancers of his generation. His tenure at the American Ballet Theatre marked a significant period in his career, where he showcased his exceptional technique, artistry, and versatility in a wide range of classical and contemporary ballet roles. Baryshnikov's contributions to the world of ballet continue to be recognized and admired.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The title of which artist's painting translates as "Ballet Hall of the Opera in the Rue Peletier"?
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Edgar Degas
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Master Bertram
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Michelangelo
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Kartner Meister
Correct Answer
A. Edgar DegasExplanation
The correct answer is Edgar Degas because the painting mentioned in the question, "Ballet Hall of the Opera in the Rue Peletier," is a famous work by Degas. Degas was known for his depictions of ballet dancers and scenes from the opera, so it is fitting that this painting would be attributed to him.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In what venue does the New York City Ballet perform?
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Carnegie Hall
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Apollo Theater
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Lincoln Center
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Radio City Music Hall
Correct Answer
A. Lincoln CenterExplanation
The New York City Ballet performs at Lincoln Center. Lincoln Center is a world-renowned performing arts complex located in New York City. It is home to several prestigious performing arts organizations, including the New York City Ballet. The ballet company regularly performs in one of Lincoln Center's iconic venues, such as the David H. Koch Theater.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What British ballerina ended her 20-year career in ballet at the Royal Opera House in 2007?
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Darcey Bussell
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Suzanne Farrell
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Margot Fonteyn
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Patricia McBride
Correct Answer
A. Darcey BussellExplanation
Darcey Bussell is the correct answer because she ended her 20-year career in ballet at the Royal Opera House in 2007. The other options, Suzanne Farrell, Margot Fonteyn, and Patricia McBride, do not have a connection to ending their careers at the Royal Opera House in 2007.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Who wrote the music for the ballet "Coppelia"?
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Leo Delibes
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Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
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Edvard Grieg
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Correct Answer
A. Leo DelibesExplanation
Leo Delibes wrote the music for the ballet "Coppelia".Rate this question:
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- 15.
What was the birth name of prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn?
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Edris Stannis
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Peggy Hookham
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Margaret Fountain
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Anna Murray
Correct Answer
A. Peggy HookhamExplanation
Peggy Hookham was the birth name of prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn. This answer is correct because it accurately identifies the original name of the famous ballerina before she adopted her stage name.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): May 7, 2025 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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May 07, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Mar 14, 2015Quiz Created by
Cambronbill3
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