Dance Lessons Dance Terminology 2

Question 1

What does the term 'allegro' mean in a dance context?

Accepted Answer

Fast, lively movements

Answer

Allegro refers to fast, lively movements and is often used to describe quick footwork or energetic sequences in dance.

Question 2

In ballet, what is a 'pas de chat'?

Accepted Answer

A cat-like jumping step where both feet draw up

Answer

Pas de chat, meaning 'step of the cat,' is a jump where each foot is drawn up successively to the knee, resembling a cat's leap.

Question 3

What is 'syncopation' in dance music and choreography?

Accepted Answer

Accenting off-beats or between beats

Answer

Syncopation involves accenting the off-beats or weak beats, creating a rhythmic surprise that dancers can express through movement.

Question 4

What does 'spot' mean when executing a pirouette?

Accepted Answer

Fixing the eyes on one point to prevent dizziness while turning

Answer

Spotting is the technique of fixing the eyes on a single point and snapping the head around quickly to return to that point during a turn.

Question 5

In jazz dance, what is a 'fan kick'?

Accepted Answer

A large sweeping kick that arcs in a semicircle

Answer

A fan kick is a large, sweeping kick where the working leg draws a wide semicircular arc through the air.

Dance Lessons Practice Test