Dance Lessons Dance Terminology 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'contraction' as used in the Martha Graham technique?
- A muscle cramp during performance
- A concave curving of the torso initiated from the pelvis (Correct answer)
- Pulling the arms close to the body
- Shortening the length of a choreographic phrase
Correct answer: A concave curving of the torso initiated from the pelvis
Contraction is a signature Graham technique element involving a scooping, concave curve of the torso that begins at the pelvis and curves through the spine.
Question 2: In Latin ballroom dancing, what is 'hip action'?
- A specific step pattern unique to the Cha-Cha
- The natural settling of the hip over the weighted leg as weight transfers (Correct answer)
- A shaking motion used only in the Samba
- Rotating the hips in a full circle
Correct answer: The natural settling of the hip over the weighted leg as weight transfers
Hip action in Latin dance is the natural settling of the hip over the standing leg as weight transfers, creating the characteristic swaying look of styles like the Rumba.
Question 3: What is an 'arabesque' in ballet?
- A decorative jump with crossed legs
- A position where the body is supported on one leg with the other extended behind at 90 degrees or higher (Correct answer)
- A curved arm position held at shoulder height
- A traveling step done on the diagonal
Correct answer: A position where the body is supported on one leg with the other extended behind at 90 degrees or higher
An arabesque is a foundational ballet position where the dancer stands on one leg while the other is extended behind, with the body forming a long line.
Question 4: What does 'body isolation' mean in dance?
- Performing a solo without other dancers on stage
- Moving one part of the body independently while keeping the rest still (Correct answer)
- A warm-up technique for injury prevention
- Dancing without music
Correct answer: Moving one part of the body independently while keeping the rest still
Body isolation is the technique of moving a single part of the body—such as the head, shoulders, or ribcage—while keeping all other parts stationary.
Question 5: What is a 'reverence' typically performed at the end of a dance class?
- A short, fast combination to finish the lesson
- A formal bow or curtsy of gratitude to the teacher and accompanist (Correct answer)
- Reviewing steps learned during class
- A cool-down stretching sequence
Correct answer: A formal bow or curtsy of gratitude to the teacher and accompanist
A reverence is a traditional bow or curtsy performed at the end of a ballet class as a formal sign of respect and thanks to the teacher and pianist.
Question 6: In choreography, what is 'motif development'?
- Writing music for a dance piece
- Taking a core movement idea and transforming it through repetition, variation, and contrast (Correct answer)
- Choosing costumes and lighting for a performance
- The opening sequence of a dance
Correct answer: Taking a core movement idea and transforming it through repetition, variation, and contrast
Motif development involves taking a short movement phrase (motif) and exploring it through techniques like augmentation, diminution, retrograde, or spatial changes.
Question 7: What does 'en croix' mean when describing a ballet exercise?
- On the cross; the movement is executed to the front, side, back, and side (Correct answer)
- A crossed-foot position at the barre
- A jump that crosses both legs in the air
- Turning to face the corner of the room
Correct answer: On the cross; the movement is executed to the front, side, back, and side
'En croix' means 'in the shape of a cross,' indicating that an exercise like a tendu or dégagé is performed in four directions: front, side, back, and side.
Dance Lessons Dance Terminology 4
What is 'contraction' as used in the Martha Graham technique?