BalletMet Columbus

Unusual Ballet Facts Quiz

Harder level

Test your knowledge of some obscure ballet information.


  1. Why did the Paris police issue an ordinance requiring female dancers to wear underwear?
  2. American author Washington Irving known for his Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle was also a ballet fan who described a ballet movement as 'pigeon's wings'. Which movement was this?
  3. The British Parliament was suspended so that the members could watch a performance of which dancers?
  4. What ballerina had her shoes cooked and eaten by balletomanes?
  5. When 18th century dance company managers had trouble with their dancers missing rehearsals or performances they had a stronger recourse than today. How did their dancers get punished?
  6. What famous Dane made his ballet debut in Armida at age 16?
  7. What change at the Paris Opera is said to have caused the Russians, English and Austrians to threaten war with France?
  8. What was the first 3-D ballet movie?
  9. Which male dancer had his four front teeth knocked out while partnering a pirouette?

  10. What dancer was born Roberta Sue Ficker?

  11. What did Diaghilev do when the audience broke out shouting and fighting after the premiere of L'Apres midi d'un Faune?
  12. Who was the dancer who was so ugly his teacher told him to move fast so the audience would not see him clearly?
  13. What 19th century ballerina died when her costume caught fire?
  14. Who choreographed a ballet about a bedbug?
  15. What did Pavlova ask for as she lay dying?

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I would like to thank the Interactive Listening Comprehension Practice for the layout of this quiz.