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Translate ballet terms from French to English

Ballet has origins in Italy back to the 15th and 16th century, and was spread to France by Catherine de' Medici. In France, ballet flourished in aristocratic and formal settings, and this resulted in a majority of the modern ballet terminology.

A multiple-choice quiz by ajspins. Estimated time: 2 mins.

Author
ajspins

Time
2 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
418,410

Updated
Dec 30 25

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
176

Last 3 plays: Guest 82 (5/10), irishchic5 (7/10), maninmidohio (9/10).

Author's Note: Each question will present you with a ballet term in French, and your job is to select the correct English translation.

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Pas de chat Hint

Step of the cat

Step of the dog

Step of the horse

Flight of the bird

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Question 2 of 10

2. Pirouette Hint

To prick

To stop

To whirl

To step back

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Question 3 of 10

3. Rond de jambe Hint

Round of the arm

Round of the leg

Round of the head

Round of the hips

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Question 4 of 10

4. Saut� Hint

Jumped

Ran

Kicked

Fallen

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Question 5 of 10

5. Relev� Hint

Stretching

Risen

Reaching

Bent

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Question 6 of 10

6. Port de bras Hint

Carriage of posture

Carriage of back

Carriage of chest

Carriage of arms

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Question 7 of 10

7. Pli� Hint

Lengthened

Pointing

Bent

Circling

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Question 8 of 10

8. D�gag� Hint

Flexible

Disengaged

Elongated

Drooping

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Question 9 of 10

9. Assembl� Hint

Scattered

Brought together

Separated

Aligned

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Question 10 of 10

10. Jet� Hint

Reached

Held

Thrown

Landed

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Most Recent Scores

Mar 31 2026 : Guest 82: 5/10
Mar 24 2026 : irishchic5: 7/10
Mar 17 2026 : maninmidohio: 9/10
Mar 14 2026 : debray2001: 7/10
Mar 07 2026 : Guest 46: 9/10
Mar 04 2026 : JepRD: 10/10
Feb 28 2026 : alan56: 6/10
Feb 19 2026 : BarbaraMcI: 6/10
Feb 17 2026 : ozzz2002: 6/10

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Pas de chat

Answer: Step of the cat

This is a jump performed with the knees bending and lifting up towards the chest. It's done one foot after the other in quick succession. It is called the step of the cat as it is mimicking a cat jumping up or being startled. Pas de chat can be done while stationary, as a travel step, and / or while rotating.

2. Pirouette

Answer: To whirl

This is a turn that is done on one leg while the other leg holds a position off of the ground. In standard ballet class practice, pirouettes are done with the torso upright, chin parallel to the floor, and the supporting foot is in the highest achievable releve.

3. Rond de jambe

Answer: Round of the leg

This is a motion in which the leg moves around the body. In standard ballet class practice, the working leg is extended to the front of the body and the rond de jambe takes the leg to behind the body, in a circular sweeping motion, while maintaining the extension. It can also be done from the back to the front, and with the working leg in any desired position.

4. Saut�

Answer: Jumped

This is a jump that takes off on one foot and lands on that same foot. Jump terminology in ballet mostly differs depending on which feet are used for the take off and landing. Saut�s can range in the leg positions or the height achieved, they are done from the elementary to professional level.

5. Relev�

Answer: Risen

This is a motion in which a standing dancer rises onto the ball of their foot, lifting their heels off the ground. Relev� is used to reduce friction for turns and to demonstrate strength and flexibility in the dancer's feet.

6. Port de bras

Answer: Carriage of arms

This is a motion that uses two elongated arms to make a circular motion. It's a motion that originates from the shoulders, so the arms can maintain an elongated shape. Arms can go in any direction or speed, depending on the desired effect.

7. Pli�

Answer: Bent

This is a motion in which the knees begin straight and then bend. In standard ballet class, pli�s are done with the knees going over the toes when they bend and with an upright torso. A pli� is vital to prep for turns, taking off and landing jumps, and other skills requiring absorption of speed and power.

8. D�gag�

Answer: Disengaged

This is a motion in which the leg is picked off the ground in a quick, short motion after being brushed across the floor. In standard ballet class, a d�gag� is done standing with the working leg maintaining its extension through the whole motion.

9. Assembl�

Answer: Brought together

This is a jump that takes off of one foot and lands on two feet. It is often used as a preparatory move into big power jumps or to begin quick jump sequences.

10. Jet�

Answer: Thrown

This is a leaping step that takes off of one foot and lands on the other single foot. It is often done with a chass� beforehand, and the dancer strives to achieve a full split in the air. It is an advanced skill, something many dancers work up to be able to achieve.

Source: Author ajspins

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
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