CLEP Humanities : Understanding Terminology That Describes Dance

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CLEP Humanities

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Dance

The style of dance that requires its performers to wear a "pointe shoe" is __________.

Possible Answers:

jazz

modern

ballet

tango

waltz

Correct answer:

ballet

Explanation:

A "pointe shoe" is a shoe that allows a dancer to stand directly on his or her toe, to create a light silhouette and perform various maneuvers. These are necessities in ballet, which desires its dancers to move seemingly effortlessly and beautifully. The "pointe shoe" and dancing "on pointe" is one of the features that distinguish ballet from other styles of dance.

Example Question #2 : Dance

Which French term describes a ballet move that involves turning the body while on one leg?

Possible Answers:

Alignment

Pirouette

Sprial

Arabesque

Pas de deux

Correct answer:

Pirouette

Explanation:

Alignment describes harmonious, unbroken lines with arms and legs. Arabesque refers to standing on one leg and extending the other leg and both arms away from the body. A pas de deux involves dance sequences with two dancers. Spiral refers to a twisting movement, but does not mean that is it done on one leg; it is also not a French term.

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