BALLERINA LINGO The world of ballet is filled with fabulous French words. How chic! Get to know the lingo (that s a fancy word for language) by matching these words to their meanings. You ll be sounding like a professional ballerina in no time! 1. CURTSY 2. JETé 3. Barre 4. ARABESQUE 5. LEOTARD 6. PIROUETTE 7. RECITAL 8. PLIé 9. RELEVé 10. TUTU A. A leap from one foot to the other B. One leg stretched straight out to the back C. A twirl while standing on the toe or ball of one foot D. Ballet performance E. To raise both heels to their points F. To bend the knees G. A fancy ballet skirt H. A wooden railing used for dancers to warm up on I. A graceful bow J. Ballerina apparel Answers: 1. I, 2. A, 3. H, 4. B, 5. J, 6. C, 7. D, 8. F, 9. E, 10. G
LEARN THE MOVES In order to choreograph your recital, you ll need to learn some moves! The first five positions displayed below are the basics that every ballerina needs to master to become a graceful dancer. Instead of using a barre for balance, use a table or chair. Remember, practice makes perfect! First Position Second Position Place heels next to each other and turn your feet out only as far as is comfortable. Now move your feet apart from each other, keeping with the same position as in the first. Third Position Fourth Position Fifth Position Place the heel of your right foot in front of the arch of your left foot. Your feet should be touching. From third position, slide your front foot forward. From fourth position, move the front foot back toward you so the heel touches the toes of your back foot.
MAGNIFICENT AS A MERMAID Follow the instructions below to create the perfect ballerina accessory... a mermaid s wand. With your wand in hand, you re sure to be the star of any recital! You ll need: Oak tag 12'' wooden dowel Sand Seashells Glitter Craft glue Scissors Here s how: Cut out the starfish template and trace it onto a piece of colored oak tag. Then cut that out for a sturdy wand base. Decorate the starfish by gluing seashells and sand to the front. Add some glitter for a shimmer effect. Glue the tip of the dowel to the backside of the starfish. Enjoy your magnificent wand! This craft activity involves cutting and gluing. Please ask an adult for assistance.
CREATE A PERFORMANCE PROGRAM Create a program for your attendees, informing them of all the important details about the recital. Jazz it up using colored markers, a sprinkle of glitter, and some stickers. As a nice gesture, bake a delectable dessert for your guests to enjoy during intermission (that s fancy for breaktime). Program (your name here) Proudly Presents Warm-up Performance (Act l) Intermission (Delicious refreshments provided) Performance (Act II) (name of your ballet) Ballet Recital Final Curtsy (Standing ovations and bouquets are welcome) Date: Time: Place: Illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser. This craft activity involves cutting and gluing. Please ask an adult for assistance.
CAPTURE A MEMORY Display a photo or draw a picture from your recital using this fantastique (that s fancy for amazing) picture frame. Be sure to place it in a spot where everyone can see it! After all, you re a star ballerina now! (your name here) PRIMA BALLERINA This craft activity involves cutting. Please ask an adult for assistance.
A Colorful Creation Color the image of Fancy Nancy below, adding your own embellishment (that s fancy for decoration) to the background.
Get the look (Take-home activity) With ballerinas, it s all about the costume! It s the finishing touch, once you have the moves and the mind-set. Follow these simple instructions for how to create an easy-to-make, fashionable tutu. You ll need: Elastic band Scissors Tulle Ribbon Twirling Tutu Here s how: Measure a piece of elastic band around your waist. Stretch the elastic band around a book or pot. Cut a 14-inch strip of tulle. Tie the strip at its halfway point around the elastic band. The tulle should hang from the elastic band. Keep cutting and tying new strips of the same length next to each other until the elastic band is covered. For an even fancier effect, tie pieces of ribbon along with the tulle or attach sequins throughout the tutu. Be prepared to look magnifique (that s fancy for really beautiful)! This craft activity involves cutting. Please ask an adult for assistance.