Question 1: Describe two different ways a dancer can move to show a sense of 'lightness' in a performance.

Answer: A dancer can move with soft, lifts and gentle transitions to appear light, using quick, airy steps, and incorporating bouncy, springy movements that seem effortless.

Question 2: Explain the difference between a sharp and a smooth movement in dance. Provide an example of each.

Answer: A sharp movement is sudden and precise, such as a quick arm snap or a quick turn. A smooth movement flows seamlessly, like a slow, flowing arm wave or a gentle roll across the floor.

Question 3: Imagine a dancer performing a sequence that needs to express anger. What type of movement dynamics should they use? Why?

Answer: They should use strong, forceful, and aggressive movements to convey intensity and emotion, such as sharp jumps, clenched fists, or fast aggressive steps.

Question 4: List three different dance dynamics and give a brief example of how each might be performed.

Answer: Light: small, airy jumps; Sharp: sudden arm movements; Smooth: flowing turns or spirals.

Question 5: Sketch a simple sequence of three movements that demonstrate increasing tension in the dance. Label each movement with the dynamic quality you are showing.

Answer: The sketch should show three poses or movements: first, a relaxed, flowing pose indicating ease; second, a tense, contracted pose with clenched fists or raised shoulders; third, an explosive, forceful jump or leap. Each should be labeled accordingly.

Question 6: Choose a piece of music with a fast tempo and describe how you would adjust your dance movements to match its energy using dynamics.

Answer: I would perform quick, sharp, and energetic movements to match the fast tempo, using rapid changes in direction and lively, light steps to keep up with the music's pace.

Question 7: Identify and describe one way a dancer can use dynamics to show a transition from calm to excitement in a choreographed piece.

Answer: The dancer can start with slow, smooth, and soft movements, then gradually increase speed, forcefulness, and sharpness to express excitement and energy.

Question 8: Draw a sequence of four movements that show a change from slow to fast dynamics. Label each movement with the dynamic quality.

Answer: The drawing should depict four poses or steps: first, a slow, flowing movement; second, slightly quicker but still smooth; third, a faster, sharp movement; fourth, a rapid, energetic leap or jump. Labels should specify 'slow', 'moderate', 'fast', 'very fast'.

Question 9: In pairs, discuss how changing the dynamics of a movement can alter the mood of a dance piece. Provide an example scenario.

Answer: Changing from smooth, flowing movements to sharp, staccato actions can shift the mood from calm to tense or aggressive. For example, slow, gentle swaying could become quick, jerky movements to create a feeling of chaos or urgency.

Question 10: Create a short dance phrase (4-6 counts) that demonstrates a clear contrast between light and heavy movements. Describe each movement briefly.

Answer: Count 1-2: a light, bouncing step with small jumps; Count 3-4: a heavy, grounded stomp with force; optional: repeat or vary with contrasting movements. Light movements should feel airy; heavy movements should feel solid and weighty.