Dance Lessons Dance Terminology 5

Question 1

What is 'level change' in dance choreography?

Accepted Answer

Moving between high (standing), middle (crouching), and low (floor) planes of space

Answer

Level changes involve transitioning between the high, medium, and low planes of the performance space, adding visual variety and dynamic interest to choreography.

Question 2

In swing dance, what is the 'triple step'?

Accepted Answer

A step-ball-change pattern that fits three weight changes into two beats

Answer

The triple step (step-ball-change) fits three weight transfers into two beats of music, giving East Coast Swing its characteristic bouncy, rhythmic feel.

Question 3

What does 'épaulement' contribute to in ballet?

Accepted Answer

The angle of the shoulders and head relative to the hips, adding depth and artistry

Answer

Épaulement is the subtle angling of the shoulders and head in opposition to the hips, giving classical ballet its characteristic three-dimensional, expressive quality.

Question 4

What is 'improvisation' in a dance class or performance context?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous, unplanned movement created in the moment

Answer

Improvisation is the art of creating movement spontaneously without pre-planned choreography, often used as a creative tool and performance practice in modern and contemporary dance.

Question 5

What is a 'développé' in ballet?

Accepted Answer

A slow unfolding of the leg from a passé position to a full extension

Answer

A développé is the gradual unfolding of the working leg—drawing through passé and then extending outward to a full, controlled extension at 90 degrees or higher.

Dance Lessons Practice Test

Dance Lessons Practice Test

Dance Lessons Dance Terminology 5