Question 1: Describe the key elements involved in maintaining balance during a pirouette. Include at least three aspects in your answer.

Answer: Key elements include engaging core muscles to stabilize the torso, keeping the gaze focused on a fixed point (spotting), and ensuring proper alignment of the supporting leg with the hips and shoulders.

Question 2: Explain how arm placement can enhance the overall performance quality during a dance routine. Provide two specific examples.

Answer: Proper arm placement can add grace and express emotion; for example, extending arms smoothly can create lines that emphasize movement, and using arm positions that match the mood (e.g., rounded arms for softness) enhances expressiveness.

Question 3: Identify and describe three different types of footwork commonly used in dance performances.

Answer: Examples include: (1) Plie - bending the knees with feet turned out, used for transitions; (2) Tendu - stretching the foot along the floor with toes pointed, enhancing line and control; (3) Jete - a leap where one leg is brushed off the ground and extended forward or sideward.

Question 4: Explain the importance of breath control in dance performance and how it affects movement quality.

Answer: Breath control helps maintain stamina, supports fluid movement, and enhances expressiveness. Proper breathing ensures movements are sustained smoothly and prevents fatigue.

Question 5: Describe how body alignment can influence the appearance and safety of a dance movement.

Answer: Correct alignment ensures the body is properly balanced, making movements look clean and controlled. It also reduces the risk of injury by distributing forces evenly and maintaining joint stability.

Question 6: Sketch a diagram of a basic dance pose that demonstrates good posture and balance. Label the key body parts involved.

Answer: A correct sketch should show a dancer standing upright with shoulders down, head aligned with the spine, arms in a relaxed position, and feet positioned shoulder-width apart, evenly supporting weight.

Question 7: Describe the sequence of movements you would use to transition smoothly from a lunge position to a leap. Include at least four steps.

Answer: First, engage core muscles and prepare for push-off by bending the back leg slightly. Next, push off the front foot while swinging the arms upward. As you lift into the leap, extend both legs and maintain core engagement. Land softly with knees slightly bent and prepare to continue movement or pose.

Question 8: Identify two common mistakes in executing a pirouette and suggest how to correct them.

Answer: Mistakes include: (1) Not spotting correctly, leading to dizziness or loss of balance; correction involves focusing on a fixed point throughout the turn. (2) Poor arm placement, which can cause imbalance; correction involves holding the arms in the correct position to support rotation.