Dance Journey: Moves, Music & Moments

1. Which dance originated as a partner social dance in 1920s New York and later influenced swing styles?
   1. Lindy Hop
   2. Charleston
   3. Foxtrot
   4. Samba
2. Which classical Indian dance form often uses facial expressions (abhinaya) to tell stories from epics?
   1. Kathak
   2. Bharatanatyam
   3. Bhangra
   4. Salsa
3. Which automated-sounding dance style from the late 20th century uses mechanically stiff movements and robotic illusions?
   1. Popping
   2. Breaking
   3. Locking
   4. Vogue
4. Which dance term names a rapid turn performed on one leg with the other leg extended, common in ballet?
   1. Arabesque
   2. Pirouette
   3. Plié
   4. Relevé
5. Which Latin ballroom dance is known for its steady, walking-like steps and romantic character?
   1. Tango
   2. Cha-cha
   3. Rumba
   4. Waltz
6. Which scientific principle helps dancers maintain balance by keeping their center of mass over their base of support?
   1. Stability
   2. Momentum
   3. Buoyancy
   4. Friction
7. Which American theatrical dance style blends tap, jazz, and musical storytelling and was popularized on Broadway?
   1. Tap
   2. Jazz
   3. Ballet
   4. Modern

Answers and explanations

1. Question: Which dance originated as a partner social dance in 1920s New York and later influenced swing styles?
   Answer: Charleston
   Explanation: The Charleston began in Harlem clubs in the 1920s and became a defining Jazz Age solo and partner dance. Fun fact: its basic step was often done to much faster music than modern recreations.
2. Question: Which classical Indian dance form often uses facial expressions (abhinaya) to tell stories from epics?
   Answer: Bharatanatyam
   Explanation: Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu emphasizes expressive gestures and storytelling through face and hands. Fun fact: its roots trace to temple rituals performed by devadasis.
3. Question: Which automated-sounding dance style from the late 20th century uses mechanically stiff movements and robotic illusions?
   Answer: Popping
   Explanation: Popping relies on quick muscle contractions to create jerky, robotic effects and emerged in California funk scenes. Fun fact: popping is distinct from locking, though they’re often confused.
4. Question: Which dance term names a rapid turn performed on one leg with the other leg extended, common in ballet?
   Answer: Pirouette
   Explanation: A pirouette is a spin on one foot, requiring balance and spotting to control rotation. Fun fact: dancers use a technique called 'spotting' to avoid dizziness during many turns.
5. Question: Which Latin ballroom dance is known for its steady, walking-like steps and romantic character?
   Answer: Rumba
   Explanation: Rumba features slow-quick-quick timing and romantic hip action, originating from Cuban social dances. Fun fact: its name comes from the Spanish word for party or gathering.
6. Question: Which scientific principle helps dancers maintain balance by keeping their center of mass over their base of support?
   Answer: Stability
   Explanation: Stability involves aligning the center of mass above the feet to prevent falling during movement. Fun fact: widening your stance increases stability during slow lifts.
7. Question: Which American theatrical dance style blends tap, jazz, and musical storytelling and was popularized on Broadway?
   Answer: Jazz
   Explanation: Jazz dance mixes syncopated rhythms, isolations, and theatrical flair, evolving alongside jazz music. Fun fact: many Broadway choreographers trained in both ballet and jazz for versatility.