Question 1: Describe the mood or atmosphere conveyed by a dance performance that features slow, flowing movements set to soft music.

Answer: The mood is calm, serene, and gentle, creating a peaceful and introspective atmosphere through smooth, continuous movements and delicate musical accompaniment.

Question 2: Identify and explain two dance techniques or movements commonly used in contemporary dance that might be observed in a performance.

Answer: One technique could be 'floor work,' where dancers perform movements on or close to the floor to create fluid, grounded expressions. Another could be 'contract and release,' involving controlled tension and relaxation of muscles to add expressiveness.

Question 3: Explain how the use of space influences the overall impact of a dance performance.

Answer: The use of space affects how dancers interact with their environment and each other. Effective use of space can create patterns, highlight relationships, and generate feelings of openness or confinement, thereby enhancing the visual and emotional impact.

Question 4: Describe what you would look for when analysing the choreography of a dance piece.

Answer: I would consider the structure and sequence of movements, how dancers' formations change, the use of levels and directions, and how these elements convey the intended theme or emotion.

Question 5: Draw a simple formation that could be used in a group dance. Label the positions of four dancers, indicating front, back, left, and right.

Answer: A correct sketch would show four dots or stick figures arranged in a square or line, with clear labels: Dancer 1 at front-left, Dancer 2 at front-right, Dancer 3 at back-left, Dancer 4 at back-right.

Question 6: Identify two elements of dance costume design that can enhance the overall performance and explain their purpose.

Answer: Costumes can reflect the theme of the dance, helping to tell the story, and they can also be designed for flexibility and ease of movement to allow dancers to perform safely and effectively.

Question 7: Choose a dance style you are familiar with and describe a characteristic movement or feature typical of that style.

Answer: In ballet, a characteristic movement is the 'pirouette,' which is a spinning turn performed on one foot with the other foot raised in a specific position.

Question 8: Explain how facial expressions contribute to the storytelling in a dance performance.

Answer: Facial expressions help convey the emotions and narrative of the dance, allowing the audience to connect with the story and understand the dancers' feelings beyond their movements.

Question 9: Analyse the use of music in a dance performance. What role does it play in shaping the dance's rhythm, mood, or energy?

Answer: Music sets the tempo and rhythm, guiding the dancers' movements. It also influences the mood, whether energetic, sad, or joyful, and enhances the overall emotional impact of the performance.

Question 10: Reflect on a dance you have seen or studied. Describe one element that you think was very effective and explain why.

Answer: An effective element could be the synchronization of dancers, which creates a striking visual impact and emphasizes unity and coordination, making the performance more powerful.