Question 1: Describe a characteristic movement or step that is typical in ballet dance.

Answer: A typical movement in ballet is a 'plié', which involves bending the knees while keeping the back straight, often performed at the start or end of a ballet sequence.

Question 2: Explain the main difference between jazz dance and contemporary dance in terms of style and movement.

Answer: Jazz dance is energetic, rhythmic, and often features sharp movements with an emphasis on hip and body isolations, while contemporary dance is more fluid and expressive, using floor work and improvisation.

Question 3: Identify a dance style that originated in Latin America and describe one typical movement or dance step associated with it.

Answer: Salsa is a Latin American dance style that features quick footwork, hip movements, and partner spins.

Question 4: Draw a simple sketch of a dance pose that you might see in hip-hop style. Include the position of the arms and legs.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a dancer with knees slightly bent, one arm bent at the elbow with a fist near the head, and the other arm extended outward; legs apart with weight shifted to one side.

Question 5: Name a dance style that is characterized by flowing, continuous movements and often involves improvisation. Briefly describe its origins.

Answer: Contemporary dance is characterized by flowing, expressive movements and improvisation. It originated in the mid-20th century as a reaction against classical ballet, combining elements of modern dance.

Question 6: Identify a dance style associated with traditional African dance and describe one feature of its movement or rhythm.

Answer: Traditional African dance often involves energetic, rhythmic movements with a focus on foot stamping and body isolations that follow complex drum rhythms.

Question 7: Describe a key feature of street dance styles such as breakdancing or locking.

Answer: Breakdancing includes acrobatic moves like spins and freezes, often performed on the floor, emphasizing athleticism and style.

Question 8: Sketch a basic outline of a dance formation that might be used in a group jazz routine. Label the positions of at least four dancers.

Answer: A correct sketch would show four figures arranged in a formation such as a straight line, diagonal line, or circle, with clear spacing and facing the same direction.

Question 9: Choose a dance style you have learned about and describe what kind of music usually accompanies it.

Answer: In ballet, the music is classical, often composed of orchestral pieces with a steady rhythm that supports the graceful movements.

Question 10: Explain why understanding different dance styles is important for a dancer’s development.

Answer: Understanding different dance styles broadens a dancer’s skills and vocabulary, allowing them to express themselves creatively and adapt to various performances and choreographies.