Dance Vocabulary

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Date:

Instructions: Test your knowledge of dance styles, moves, and terminology from around the world

1.
In ballet, what is a 'plie'?
A
A bow to the audience
B
A jump into the air
C
A bending of the knees while keeping the back straight
D
A spin on one foot
2.
What does 'pirouette' mean in dance?
A
A graceful walk
B
A curtsy
C
A leap across the stage
D
A full turn of the body on one foot
3.
In ballet, what is an 'arabesque'?
A
A type of tutu
B
A group dance formation
C
A fast spinning move
D
A position where the dancer stands on one leg with the other extended behind
4.
What is a 'pas de deux' in ballet?
A
A dance for two performers
B
The final act
C
A solo performance
D
A step backward
5.
In dance, what does 'choreography' refer to?
A
The planned sequence of steps and movements in a dance
B
The costume design
C
The music selection
D
The stage lighting
6.
What is the 'foxtrot'?
A
A dance performed with a fox
B
A smooth ballroom dance with long, flowing movements in 4/4 time
C
A fast Irish dance
D
A Latin dance with hip movements
7.
In ballet, what does 'en pointe' mean?
A
The pointed position of the feet
B
Making a sharp point with the hand
C
Dancing on the tips of the toes in special shoes
D
Pointing at the audience
8.
What is the 'cha-cha' characterized by?
A
High jumps and leaps
B
Slow, sweeping movements
C
A syncopated rhythm with a distinctive triple step pattern
D
Only arm movements
9.
In dance terminology, what is a 'barre'?
A
A horizontal bar used for balance during ballet exercises
B
A type of dance shoe
C
A drinking establishment for dancers
D
A restriction on certain moves
10.
What is a 'grand jete' in ballet?
A
A grand entrance
B
A deep bow
C
A slow, graceful walk
D
A large, dramatic leap where the dancer does a split in the air
11.
What dance is known for its sharp head turns called 'snaps'?
A
Waltz
B
Polka
C
Ballet
D
Tango
12.
In dance, what does 'tempo rubato' mean?
A
Flexible timing where the dancer slightly speeds up or slows down for expression
B
Dancing without music
C
A fast dance tempo
D
Dancing in a robotic style
13.
What is a 'waltz' time signature?
A
3/4 time
B
6/8 time
C
4/4 time
D
2/4 time
14.
In ballet, what is a 'releve'?
A
A reverence or bow
B
A reclining position
C
Rising up onto the balls of the feet or onto pointe
D
A relaxation pose
15.
What is 'flamenco' most associated with?
A
France
B
Argentina
C
Italy
D
Spain, featuring rhythmic footwork, hand clapping, and guitar music

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