Modern Dance Choreographers: Explore the Masters of Movement

Question 1

Which modern dance choreographer pioneered the technique of 'contraction and release'?

Accepted Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Alvin Ailey

Question 2

Who among these choreographers is known for their experimental and improvisational approach to dance?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Alvin Ailey

Question 3

Which choreographer is credited with introducing African American and Caribbean influences into modern dance?

Accepted Answer

Alvin Ailey

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Merce Cunningham

Question 4

A characteristic feature of Martha Graham's choreography is:

Accepted Answer

Sharp and angular gestures

Answer

Fluid and flowing movements

Answer

Techniques inspired by ballet

Question 5

What concept is central to Merce Cunningham's choreographic approach?

Accepted Answer

Chance and indeterminacy

Answer

Structured and rehearsed compositions

Answer

Emotional expression

Question 6

Which dance company was founded by Alvin Ailey?

Accepted Answer

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Answer

Martha Graham Dance Company

Answer

Merce Cunningham Dance Company

Question 7

The term used to describe the process of creating movement sequences in modern dance is:

Accepted Answer

Choreography

Answer

Composition

Answer

Improvisation

Question 8

What is a key element in Alvin Ailey's choreography?

Accepted Answer

Technical virtuosity

Answer

Abstraction and surrealism

Answer

Narrative and storytelling

Question 9

Which choreographer is known for using chance procedures in their dance works?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Alvin Ailey

Question 10

What is a key characteristic of Martha Graham's dance technique?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on sustained, flowing movement

Answer

Use of chance procedures to create movement

Answer

Exploration of African American cultural influences

Answer

Focus on improvisation and spatial awareness

Question 11

Which modern dance choreographer is famous for using chance procedures and focusing on where dancers move on stage?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Alvin Ailey

Answer

Doris Humphrey

Question 12

Who is considered the pioneer of modern dance who utilized chance operations in their work to remove bias and encourage exploration?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Alvin Ailey

Answer

José Limón

Answer

Martha Graham

Question 13

Identify the individual widely regarded as the 'Mother of Modern Dance' and the creator of the 'Graham Technique'.

Accepted Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Hanya Holm

Answer

Isadora Duncan

Answer

Ruth St. Denis

Question 14

Which choreographer is renowned for incorporating African American and Caribbean dance elements into their work and for establishing the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater?

Accepted Answer

Alvin Ailey

Answer

Jerome Robbins

Answer

Agnes de Mille

Answer

Bob Fosse

Question 15

Identify the characteristic that best describes Martha Graham's distinctive choreographic style.

Accepted Answer

Angular, grounded, and expressive

Answer

Fluid, graceful, and balletic

Answer

Flowing, ethereal, and improvisational

Answer

Abstract, minimalist, and repetitive

Question 16

What was the primary motivation behind Merce Cunningham's utilization of chance operations in his choreography?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate subjective bias and promote the emergence of fresh possibilities

Answer

To pay homage to traditional dance forms

Answer

To enhance the sense of improvisation and spontaneity

Question 17

Explain the significance of Martha Graham's development of the 'Graham Technique' in the evolution of modern dance.

Accepted Answer

It revolutionized dancers' physical expression through its emphasis on contraction and release, expanding their movement vocabulary

Answer

It popularized the use of props and elaborate sets in modern dance

Answer

It established a standardized set of movements and terminology for modern dance

Question 18

Describe the distinctive characteristics of Merce Cunningham's choreography.

Accepted Answer

Abstract, non-narrative, and often collaborative, prioritizing experimentation and the exploration of movement possibilities

Answer

Emotional, expressive, and character-driven, focusing on conveying narratives and human experiences

Answer

Traditional, folk-inspired, and community-oriented, drawing on cultural heritage and communal practices

Answer

Athletic, virtuosic, and technically demanding, emphasizing physical prowess and technical skill

Question 19

Identify the unifying theme that connects the work of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Alvin Ailey.

Accepted Answer

Their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern dance and creating innovative forms of artistic expression

Answer

Their exclusive use of contemporary music in their choreography

Answer

Their common background in classical ballet

Question 20

Which modern dance choreographer is known for their exploration of spatial relationships and the interplay between the individual and the collective?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Agnes de Mille

Answer

José Limón

Answer

Isadora Duncan

Question 21

Which prominent modern dance choreographer pioneered the groundbreaking 'contraction' and 'release' techniques?

Accepted Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Doris Humphrey

Answer

Isadora Duncan

Question 22

Who developed the 'chance' procedure, a radical technique that introduced elements of randomness into dance compositions?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Antony Tudor

Answer

Alvin Ailey

Question 23

Which influential choreographer created a distinct African-American dance style that celebrated and explored the experiences of the black community?

Accepted Answer

Alvin Ailey

Answer

Agnes de Mille

Answer

Jerome Robbins

Answer

Martha Graham

Question 24

What was the central theme that inspired Alvin Ailey's signature work, 'Revelations'?

Accepted Answer

The African-American experience

Answer

The complexities of relationships

Answer

The search for spirituality

Answer

The power of nature

Question 25

Which choreographer is renowned for their collaborative approach, often working with musicians and visual artists to create interdisciplinary dance performances?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

George Balanchine

Answer

Alvin Ailey

Question 26

What was Martha Graham's primary artistic goal in her choreography?

Accepted Answer

To express human emotions and experiences through movement

Answer

To create visually stunning spectacles

Answer

To explore abstract concepts through dance

Answer

To promote physical fitness

Question 27

Which of the following had a significant influence on Alvin Ailey's choreography and artistic style?

Accepted Answer

African-American spirituals and folk traditions

Answer

Classical ballet

Answer

Contemporary art music

Answer

Japanese Noh theater

Question 28

What is the term for Cunningham's approach to dance composition that emphasized the independence of movement elements and chance?

Accepted Answer

Event Structure

Answer

Kinetic Energy

Answer

Contraction and Release

Answer

Isolation