Dance Jazz Theory

Question 1

Plie’

Answer 1

To bend

Question 2

Chase’

Answer 2

To chase (slide through second position and catch moving across the floor)

Question 3

Pirouette

Answer 3

To turn (usually from 4th position) from one leg

Question 4

Fondue

Answer 4

To melt

Question 5

Chaine

Answer 5

A chain of steps (usually a turn)

Question 6

Leap

Answer 6

To jump while travelling (with extended legs)

Question 7

Lunge

Answer 7

to put weight on the front foot, knee bent, back leg extended body positioned to floor

Question 8

Square

Answer 8

Body aligned to the floor

Question 9

Flex (To flex, the opposite of pointe)

Answer 9

To elongate your muscles

Question 10

Choreography

Answer 10

Movement pieced together to make a routine

Question 11

Devlope’

Answer 11

To unfold

Question 12

Dairie

Answer 12

To the back

Question 13

Retire’

Answer 13

To rise

Question 14

Arabesque

Answer 14

balancing on one leg, extend the other and shift weight forwards

Question 15

Locomotor

Answer 15

These are ways in which we can move across the room, travel and transition from one position to another. The words here sound familiar but hold a different meaning in dance.

Question 16

Axial

Answer 16

This is referring to when a dancer is anchored but moves one pat of the body in available space. The words here sound familiar but hold a different meaning in dance. Eg. Swing, melt, rock, pull, roll.

Question 17

Body Base

Answer 17

This is a position in which you can perform a movement. E.g - Standing, sitting, Kneeling, Lying.

Question 18

Body Shape

Answer 18

Stretched, curled, twisted, symmetrical, Asymmetrical

Question 19

Tempo (Music)

Answer 19

Fast, Slow, Increase, Decrease

Question 20

Accent/ Emphasis

Answer 20

One beat or one count within the music, usually represented with a sharp movement

Question 21

Rhythm

Answer 21

Steady - Music following the same beat or pattern for the whole song
Pattern - a pattern of beats within the music which are repeated
Breath - a pause within the music
Irregular - music where the beats and rhythms don’t repeat themselves or follow a natural pattern

Question 22

Levels

Answer 22

Low, Medium and High

Question 23

Directions

Answer 23

Forward
Backward
Right
Left
Up
Down

Question 24

Pathways

Answer 24

In the air
On the floor
Straight
Curved
Zigzag
Irregular

Question 25

individuals, pairs and groups can perform by

Answer 25

contrasting in / out
alone
scattering
gathering
on / off
action
reaction
simultaneous
unison
canon