Question 1: Describe the main characteristics of Ballet during the 17th and 18th centuries and explain how it influenced modern dance.

Answer: Ballet during the 17th and 18th centuries emphasized formalized movements, pointed toes, and upright posture, often performed in courts. It introduced techniques such as pirouettes and arabesques. This period established foundational principles like technique, alignment, and expressive storytelling, which greatly influenced the development of modern dance styles.

Question 2: Identify two key figures in the development of modern dance and briefly describe their contributions.

Answer: Isadora Duncan is known for her free-flowing movement and rejection of classical ballet constraints, pioneering expressive modern dance. Martha Graham developed the Graham technique, emphasizing contraction and release, and helped establish modern dance as a serious art form.

Question 3: Explain how the social and cultural changes of the 20th century impacted the evolution of dance styles.

Answer: The social and cultural upheavals, including the World Wars and civil rights movements, led dancers to explore new forms of expression, breaking away from traditional ballet. This resulted in diverse styles such as jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance, which reflect individualism, cultural identity, and social commentary.

Question 4: Discuss the significance of the Ballets Russes in the early 20th century and its influence on dance and art.

Answer: The Ballets Russes was a groundbreaking company that introduced innovative choreography, set design, and music, collaborating with artists like Picasso. It popularized avant-garde ideas, bridged classical and modern dance, and influenced many choreographers and dancers worldwide.

Question 5: Describe the differences between classical ballet and contemporary dance in terms of technique and expression.

Answer: Classical ballet emphasizes precise technique, formal positions, and structured movements, often telling stories through mime and gesture. Contemporary dance allows for freer movement, improvisation, and personal expression, often exploring abstract concepts and emotional states.

Question 6: Sketch a basic outline of a dance pose that demonstrates balance and control, suitable for a contemporary dance performance.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a dancer standing on one leg with the other leg extended either forward or to the side, arms positioned to maintain balance, with a straight torso and engaged core to show control and stability.

Question 7: Identify and explain the importance of one dance style that emerged in the 1960s and its cultural significance.

Answer: Hip-hop emerged in the 1960s as a cultural movement in African American and Latino communities. It includes street dance styles like breaking and popping, serving as a form of self-expression and social commentary, and has become a global phenomenon influencing music, fashion, and youth culture.

Question 8: Explain how the development of dance technology (such as film and video) has impacted dance appreciation and dissemination.

Answer: Technology like film and video has allowed dance performances to reach wider audiences, preserved historic performances, and enabled choreographers to experiment with new ideas. It has increased accessibility and appreciation of diverse dance styles across the world.

Question 9: Draw a simple timeline showing three major periods in dance history, including Ballet, Modern Dance, and Contemporary Dance. Label each period with its approximate century and key features.

Answer: A timeline with three points: 17th-18th century labeled 'Ballet - Formal, classical technique'; early 20th century labeled 'Modern Dance - Expressive, individualistic'; late 20th century to present labeled 'Contemporary Dance - Diverse, experimental'.