Physical Skills

Question 1

Name the eleven physical skills

Answer 1

Posture, alignment, control, co-ordination, strength, stamina, balance, extension, isolation, flexibility, mobility

Question 2

Posture - Definition

Answer 2

The way the body is held

Question 3

Posture - Importance

Answer 3

Injury prevention. To make movement aesthetically pleasing to an audience

Question 4

Posture - Exercise

Answer 4

Standing parallel, knees, hips and shoulders aligned, pelvis held under and focus forward

Question 5

Alignment - Definition

Answer 5

Correct placement of body parts in relation to each other

Question 6

Alignment - Importance

Answer 6

Injury prevention. To make movement aesthetically pleasing to an audience

Question 7

Alignment - Exercise

Answer 7

Yoga and pilates movements - holding legs and arms in position and using the mirror to check they are aligned with each other

Question 8

Balance - Definiton

Answer 8

A steady or held position achieved by an even distribution of weight

Question 9

Balance - Importance

Answer 9

Required so dancers can remain stable whilst holding positions as well as complex movements such as tilts, leaps and turns

Question 10

Balance - Exercise

Answer 10

Standing on the right led lifting the left leg into parallel retire, rising slowly onto demi pointe

Question 11

Co-orindation - Definition

Answer 11

The ability to efficiently move several body parts at once

Question 12

Co-ordination - Importance

Answer 12

To perform complex dance phrases at varying speeds

Question 13

Co-ordination - Exercise

Answer 13

Performing triplets round the room with varying arm movements

Question 14

Control - Definition

Answer 14

The ability to start and stop movement, change direction and hold a shape efficiently

Question 15

Control - Importance

Answer 15

To perform complex movement smoothly so that it does not appear erratic or messy

Question 16

Control - Exercise

Answer 16

Lunges to stretch the hamstring - aiming to hold them longer each time

Question 17

Flexibility - Definition

Answer 17

The range of movement in a joint

Question 18

Flexibility - Importance

Answer 18

To allow dancers to perform a complex range of movements different styles

Question 19

Flexibility - Exercise

Answer 19

Lunges to stretch the hamstring - aiming to hold them longer each time

Question 20

Mobility - Definition

Answer 20

The range of movement in a joint; the ability to move fluently from action to action

Question 21

Mobility - Importance

Answer 21

Dancers need mobility to perform challenging movements, various styles and to prevent injury to the muscles and joints

Question 22

Mobility - Exercise

Answer 22

Lying on your back, knees bent in parallel swinging the right leg out of the hip and then the left with ease, returning to parallel

Question 23

Strength - Definition

Answer 23

Muscular power

Question 24

Strength - Importance

Answer 24

To perform complex movements such as lifts and jumps, preventing injury

Question 25

Strength - Exercise

Answer 25

Sit ups/crunches starting with 5 reps of 10 and then gradually increasing the speed or repetitions

Question 26

Stamina - Definition

Answer 26

The ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time

Question 27

Stamina - Importance

Answer 27

To be able to perform a full routine maintaining accuracy and precision throughout

Question 28

Stamina - Exercise

Answer 28

Increased repetitions of jogging, running, skipping etc.

Question 29

Extension - Definition

Answer 29

Lengthening of muscles or limbs

Question 30

Extension - Importance

Answer 30

To make movement look aesthetically pleasing to an audience

Question 31

Extension - Exercise

Answer 31

Using a mirror or peer to identify movements which could be extended further

Question 32

Isolation - Definition

Answer 32

An independent movement of part of the body

Question 33

Isolation - Importance

Answer 33

To be able to perform movements with accuracy and precision