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Test Your Ballet Knowledge with This Quiz!

By Courtney, YouDance founder · August 18, 2019

Young ballet dancer practicing at home for a ballet knowledge quiz

Courtney here. Today, I’m throwing out a little challenge — a quiz! But don’t worry, it’s the fun kind that won’t have you burning the midnight oil. No textbooks needed, just your love for ballet and a willingness to learn.

So grab your tutu and your pointe shoes (or simply kick off your slippers, no judgment here), because it’s time to test your ballet knowledge. And don’t fret if you’re feeling a bit nervous — we’ve got quizzes with every lesson on YouDance.com to help reinforce what you’ve learned and guide you along the way. Plus, we’re all friends here, so there’s no pressure if you miss a step or two.

What this ballet quiz covers

Five quick multiple-choice questions on the fundamentals every beginning ballet student meets: the passé, the rond de jambe, ballet positions, the grand jeté, and what that barre is actually for. It grades itself as you go, so you get instant feedback — and a little commentary from me — after every answer.

How homeschool families use quizzes like this

If you’re homeschooling, a quiz is more than a game: it’s a quick knowledge check you can drop into your PE or fine arts block. Every YouDance lesson ends with a short graded quiz just like this one, and the scores flow into each student’s records — handy when it’s time to document credit. Take the quiz below together and see who in the family knows their ballet!

Ballet quiz · 5 questions

Question 1 of 5

What is a "passé" in ballet?
Prefer to read? Open the full answer key
  1. What is a "passé" in ballet?

    Answer: A movement where one leg is bent with the foot placed near or above the knee of the supporting leg.

    Wouldn't it be nice if ballet shoes were made of pastry? But alas — a passé bends one leg with the foot near or above the knee of the supporting leg. If anyone wants to invent edible ballet shoes, count me in!

  2. What does "rond de jambe" mean in ballet?

    Answer: A movement where the leg makes a circular motion around the body.

    If only ballet involved spinning through the air like a graceful bird! A rond de jambe is a circular motion of the leg around the body. And for post-rehearsal snacks, I'll stick to chocolate instead of cheese.

  3. How many positions are there in ballet?

    Answer: 7.

    This one's a bit trickier — we count 7. And no, they're not positions for napping between rehearsals, though that does sound tempting!

  4. What is a "grand jeté" in ballet?

    Answer: A large leap where the dancer jumps from one foot to the other while in the air.

    If only ballet were as delicious as French desserts! A grand jeté is a large leap from one foot to the other in the air. Though I wouldn't say no to a grand jeté-themed dessert table at my next party!

  5. What is the purpose of a ballet barre?

    Answer: To provide support and stability while practicing ballet exercises.

    As much as we'd love a ballet-themed juice bar, the barre is there for support and stability during exercises. But who's to say we can't enjoy a refreshing beverage after a long day of dancing?