The Physics of the "Hardest Move" in Ballet — B1-B2 Interactive English Lesson
Video lesson + interactive tasks with instant checking.
Glossary: Key Vocabulary
STAGE 1
Before watching, review the words that will help you understand the video.
- fouetté — a fast turning movement in ballet
- torque — a twisting force that makes something rotate
- friction — the force that slows motion when surfaces rub
- momentum — motion an object has because it is moving
- axis — an imaginary line an object rotates around
- balance — the ability to stay steady and not fall
- rotational inertia — resistance to turning; how hard it is to rotate
- angular velocity — how fast something spins
- conservation of angular momentum — the rule that spin stays constant unless a force changes it
- pointe — dancing on the tips of the toes in pointe shoes
Prediction: What Is the Video About?
STAGE 2
Using the new words, choose the most likely topic of the video.
1) What will the video most likely explain?
First Watch: Listening for Gist
STAGE 3
Watch the video once. Do not pause the video. Focus on the general idea.
1) Choose the best summary of the video.
Second Watch: Listening for Details
STAGE 4
Watch the video again. Focus on details. You may pause if necessary.
True / False
1) Friction between the shoe and the floor reduces the dancer's momentum.
2) The dancer never pauses between turns in a fouetté.
3) The turns work best when the dancer's turning axis stays vertical.
4) The elevated leg stops moving during each pause.
5) Pulling the arms closer to the body can make the dancer spin faster.
Multiple Choice
1) What starts the rotation at the beginning of the turn?
2) What reduces the dancer's momentum while she spins?
3) Why does the dancer briefly flatten and twist the supporting foot?
4) What is the "real secret" that helps keep the turning going?
5) Why can pulling arms/leg closer to the body increase turning speed?
Vocabulary Practice
STAGE 5
Match Words and Pictures
TASK 1
Tap a word, then tap an image. Listen and pronounce.
Match Words and Definitions
TASK 2
Tap a word, then tap the correct definition. Scroll the definition list if needed.
Fill in the Gaps
TASK 3
Tap a word, then tap a gap. Wrong answers won't be placed. Tap a filled gap to clear it.
Spelling Challenge
TASK 4
Build the English words from letters. No repeats until all words are practiced.
Final Vocabulary Test
STAGE 6
Complete the final test. Navigate with buttons.
Final Vocabulary Test
STAGE 6
Complete the final test. Navigate with buttons.