IL209ILTS Dance Practice Exam
**Question 1.** In ballet, which term describes the movement of bending the
knees while keeping the heels on the floor?
A) Tendu
B) Plié
C) relevé
D) dégagé
Answer: B
Explanation: A plié is a bending of the knees with the heels staying grounded,
fundamental for turnout and shock absorption.
**Question 2.** Which modern dance technique emphasizes “contraction and
release” as its core principle?
A) Martha Graham
B) Doris Humphrey
C) Merce Cunningham
D) José Limón
Answer: A
Explanation: Graham’s technique is built around the physical actions of
contraction (engaging the core) and release (expanding outward).
**Question 3.** In jazz dance, a “jazz square” is primarily an example of which
movement element?
A) Space – pathway
, IL209ILTS Dance Practice Exam
B) Time – syncopation
C) Energy – percussive
D) Body – isolation
Answer: A
Explanation: The jazz square creates a geometric pathway in space using four
diagonal steps.
**Question 4.** Which African dance characteristic is most closely associated
with polyrhythmic footwork?
A) Grounded torso
B) Isolations of the arms
C) High leaps
D) Linear floor patterns
Answer: A
Explanation: Many African dances keep the torso low and grounded while the feet
execute complex, layered rhythms.
**Question 5.** The primary skeletal muscle responsible for hip abduction in
dance is the:
A) Gluteus maximus
B) Gluteus medius
C) Sartorius
, IL209ILTS Dance Practice Exam
D) Quadriceps femoris
Answer: B
Explanation: The gluteus medius abducts the thigh, essential for turnout and side
extensions.
**Question 6.** Which principle of kinesiology best explains why a dancer should
engage the core before executing a grand jeté?
A) Principle of antagonistic muscle pairs
B) Principle of proximal stability for distal mobility
C) Principle of reciprocal inhibition
D) Principle of stretch‑shortening cycle
Answer: B
Explanation: Core stability (proximal) provides a stable base that allows the legs
(distal) to move powerfully and safely.
**Question 7.** A common overuse injury in ballet dancers caused by repetitive
pointe work is:
A) Plantar fasciitis
B) Patellofemoral syndrome
C) Stress fracture of the metatarsal
D) Rotator cuff tendinitis
Answer: C
, IL209ILTS Dance Practice Exam
Explanation: Repeated stress on the metatarsal heads while en pointe can lead to
stress fractures.
**Question 8.** Which nutrient is most important for a dancer’s muscle recovery
after an intense rehearsal?
A) Vitamin C
B) Carbohydrate
C) Protein
D) Iron
Answer: C
Explanation: Protein provides the amino acids needed to repair and rebuild
muscle tissue post‑exercise.
**Question 9.** In alignment, “sinking” of the hips typically refers to:
A) Excessive lumbar lordosis
B) Posterior pelvic tilt causing the lower back to flatten
C) Anterior pelvic tilt leading to hyperextension of the lumbar spine
D) Lateral hip drop on the unsupported side
Answer: B
Explanation: “Sinking” describes a posterior tilt where the hips drop and the
lumbar spine loses its natural curve.
**Question 1.** In ballet, which term describes the movement of bending the
knees while keeping the heels on the floor?
A) Tendu
B) Plié
C) relevé
D) dégagé
Answer: B
Explanation: A plié is a bending of the knees with the heels staying grounded,
fundamental for turnout and shock absorption.
**Question 2.** Which modern dance technique emphasizes “contraction and
release” as its core principle?
A) Martha Graham
B) Doris Humphrey
C) Merce Cunningham
D) José Limón
Answer: A
Explanation: Graham’s technique is built around the physical actions of
contraction (engaging the core) and release (expanding outward).
**Question 3.** In jazz dance, a “jazz square” is primarily an example of which
movement element?
A) Space – pathway
, IL209ILTS Dance Practice Exam
B) Time – syncopation
C) Energy – percussive
D) Body – isolation
Answer: A
Explanation: The jazz square creates a geometric pathway in space using four
diagonal steps.
**Question 4.** Which African dance characteristic is most closely associated
with polyrhythmic footwork?
A) Grounded torso
B) Isolations of the arms
C) High leaps
D) Linear floor patterns
Answer: A
Explanation: Many African dances keep the torso low and grounded while the feet
execute complex, layered rhythms.
**Question 5.** The primary skeletal muscle responsible for hip abduction in
dance is the:
A) Gluteus maximus
B) Gluteus medius
C) Sartorius
, IL209ILTS Dance Practice Exam
D) Quadriceps femoris
Answer: B
Explanation: The gluteus medius abducts the thigh, essential for turnout and side
extensions.
**Question 6.** Which principle of kinesiology best explains why a dancer should
engage the core before executing a grand jeté?
A) Principle of antagonistic muscle pairs
B) Principle of proximal stability for distal mobility
C) Principle of reciprocal inhibition
D) Principle of stretch‑shortening cycle
Answer: B
Explanation: Core stability (proximal) provides a stable base that allows the legs
(distal) to move powerfully and safely.
**Question 7.** A common overuse injury in ballet dancers caused by repetitive
pointe work is:
A) Plantar fasciitis
B) Patellofemoral syndrome
C) Stress fracture of the metatarsal
D) Rotator cuff tendinitis
Answer: C
, IL209ILTS Dance Practice Exam
Explanation: Repeated stress on the metatarsal heads while en pointe can lead to
stress fractures.
**Question 8.** Which nutrient is most important for a dancer’s muscle recovery
after an intense rehearsal?
A) Vitamin C
B) Carbohydrate
C) Protein
D) Iron
Answer: C
Explanation: Protein provides the amino acids needed to repair and rebuild
muscle tissue post‑exercise.
**Question 9.** In alignment, “sinking” of the hips typically refers to:
A) Excessive lumbar lordosis
B) Posterior pelvic tilt causing the lower back to flatten
C) Anterior pelvic tilt leading to hyperextension of the lumbar spine
D) Lateral hip drop on the unsupported side
Answer: B
Explanation: “Sinking” describes a posterior tilt where the hips drop and the
lumbar spine loses its natural curve.
