Modern Dance terms

Question 1

contraction

Answer 1

a hollowing in the lower abdominal wall, producing a curve in the spine.

Question 2

counter balance

Answer 2

the use of oppositional energy to facilitate balancing off-center

Question 3

fall

Answer 3

a release into the pull of gravity

Question 4

degages

Answer 4

to disengage the toes from the floor.

Question 5

high point

Answer 5

the top end of the body axis.

Question 6

lunge

Answer 6

a position where 1 leg is bent and the other leg is straight

Question 7

opposition

Answer 7

a line of energy which runs through the body traveling in two different directions

Question 8

plie

Answer 8

bent, bending.

Question 8

recovery

Answer 8

a suspension achieved coming out of a fall into gravity

Question 9

rebound

Answer 9

a soft bounce done in order to return up from a fall

Question 11

releve

Answer 11

to rise up onto the ball of the foot.

Question 12

succession

Answer 12

a sequential flow of movement which transfers from one part to another through the body

Question 13

swing

Answer 13

action of releasing into gravity and recovering into a suspension in the opposite direction

Question 14

tendu

Answer 14

to stretch the leg and foot.

Question 15

tilt

Answer 15

the action of taking the torso out of its vertical alignment into an off-center placement

Question 16

triplets

Answer 16

a dance movement consisting of three steps, varying in level.

Question 17

turn-out

Answer 17

the ability of the dancer to turn his or her legs out from the hip joints.

Question 18

weight

Answer 18

the sensing of a body part lengthening downward into the floor