Ballet in Britain: A Historical Overview

Question 1

Who is credited with playing a pivotal role in the development of ballet in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Cecchetti

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Isadora Duncan

Answer

Margot Fonteyn

Question 2

Which nation had the greatest influence on the origins of ballet in Britain?

Accepted Answer

France

Answer

Italy

Answer

Russia

Answer

Spain

Question 3

Who is credited with establishing the Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Ninette de Valois

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Answer

Margot Fonteyn

Answer

Rudolf Nureyev

Question 4

Which British ballerina is renowned for her iconic portrayal of Giselle?

Accepted Answer

Margot Fonteyn

Answer

Alicia Markova

Answer

Sylvie Guillem

Answer

Darcey Bussell

Question 5

What is the primary function of the Royal Ballet School?

Accepted Answer

To train aspiring ballet dancers

Answer

To preserve the history of British ballet

Answer

To promote ballet outreach programs in schools

Answer

To organize international ballet competitions

Question 6

What factor played the most significant role in the rise of ballet in Britain during the 18th century?

Accepted Answer

The popularity of French operas and dances, which showcased elaborate ballet performances.

Answer

The influence of the Italian court, known for its ballet tradition.

Answer

The desire for a uniquely British form of entertainment.

Question 7

How did Frederick Ashton influence the evolution of ballet in Britain?

Accepted Answer

He created a distinct British ballet style, emphasizing lyrical and expressive movements.

Answer

He introduced full-length ballets to British audiences.

Answer

He prioritized technical skill over artistic expression in his choreography.

Answer

His contributions had a minimal impact on the international ballet scene.

Question 8

In ballet, what is the definition of 'port de bras' and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Port de bras is a movement of the arms that conveys emotion, character, or a story.

Answer

Port de bras is a type of dance step that involves leaping and spinning.

Answer

Port de bras is a foot position with heels together and toes turned out.

Answer

Port de bras is a style of dance music commonly used in ballets.

Question 9

Who is widely regarded as the pioneer of English ballet?

Accepted Answer

John Weaver

Answer

Robert Drury

Answer

Thomas Betterton

Answer

David Garrick

Question 10

Which ballet is recognized as the first significant original work of English ballet?

Accepted Answer

Comus

Answer

The Tempest

Answer

The Beggar's Opera

Answer

Love in a Village

Question 11

When was the Royal Ballet established?

Accepted Answer

1931

Answer

1660

Answer

1720

Answer

1830

Question 12

Where is the current home and primary performance venue of The Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Royal Opera House

Answer

Sadler's Wells Theatre

Answer

Barbican Centre

Answer

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Question 13

Which of the following dance festivals is NOT held in the UK?

Accepted Answer

London International Festival of Theatre

Answer

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Answer

International Dance Festival Birmingham

Answer

Bath International Dance Festival

Question 14

Which British ballet production broke away from traditional themes and explored abstract concepts with novel choreography?

Accepted Answer

The Rake's Progress

Answer

Giselle

Answer

Swan Lake

Answer

The Sleeping Beauty

Question 15

How did the collaboration between ballet and music influence their respective developments in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Music provided structure to ballet through rhythm, while ballet movements inspired new musical compositions.

Answer

Ballet served primarily as a visual accompaniment to music, with minimal impact on musical innovation.

Answer

Music was used to mask technical imperfections in early ballet performances.

Question 16

Which significant event in 1931 marked a turning point for British ballet?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of the Royal Ballet

Answer

The opening of the Royal Opera House

Answer

The premiere of 'Swan Lake'

Answer

The creation of 'Giselle'

Question 17

Which technique emphasizes fluidity and elegance in movement, commonly associated with British ballet?

Accepted Answer

Cecchetti method

Answer

Vaganova method

Answer

Balanchine method

Answer

Limón technique

Question 18

How did the advent of television affect the British ballet scene?

Accepted Answer

Increased popularity and wider accessibility

Answer

Increased competition for audiences

Answer

Reduced demand for live performances

Answer

No significant impact

Question 19

In British ballet, which choreographic technique is often used to enhance storytelling?

Accepted Answer

Use of mime and gestures to convey emotions

Answer

Emphasis on grand jetés and entrechats

Answer

Focus on intricate footwork and rapid turns

Answer

Emphasis on athleticism and high jumps

Question 20

Which British monarch played a pivotal role in the establishment of ballet in England?

Accepted Answer

King George I

Answer

Queen Victoria

Answer

King Henry VIII

Answer

Queen Elizabeth I

Question 21

From which institution did the Royal Ballet School evolve?

Accepted Answer

The Sadler's Wells Ballet School

Answer

Paris Opera Ballet School

Answer

Bolshoi Ballet Academy

Answer

Imperial Ballet School of St. Petersburg

Question 22

The Rambert Dance Company was established by:

Accepted Answer

Marie Rambert

Answer

The Royal Ballet

Answer

Scottish Ballet

Answer

Northern Ballet

Question 23

What is the name of the annual awards ceremony that recognizes exceptional achievements in British ballet?

Accepted Answer

The Critics' Circle National Dance Awards

Answer

The Olivier Awards

Answer

The Golden Globes

Answer

The Tony Awards

Question 24

In what ways have British ballet companies contributed to the advancement and presentation of ballet both in Britain and internationally?

Accepted Answer

British ballet companies have actively promoted ballet within Britain through performances and outreach programs.

Accepted Answer

British ballet companies have fostered cultural exchange through international collaborations.

Accepted Answer

British ballet companies have showcased ballet on the global stage, enhancing its international reputation.

Answer

British ballet companies have had a limited impact on the promotion and showcasing of ballet in Britain and internationally.

Question 25

Who is credited with introducing ballet to Britain in the 18th century?

Accepted Answer

Jean-Georges Noverre

Answer

Samuel Pepys

Answer

David Garrick

Answer

William Shakespeare

Question 26

Which famous ballerina was appointed the first prima ballerina assoluta of the Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Margot Fonteyn

Answer

Tamara Karsavina

Answer

Darcey Bussell

Answer

Alicia Markova

Question 27

What is the name of the iconic ballet, choreographed by Marius Petipa, that premiered in London in 1935 and has remained a cornerstone of the Royal Ballet's repertoire?

Accepted Answer

The Sleeping Beauty

Answer

Giselle

Answer

The Nutcracker

Answer

Swan Lake

Question 28

What is a characteristic feature of British ballet that distinguishes it from other national ballet traditions?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on storytelling and narrative through dance

Answer

Focus on virtuosic technical display

Answer

Use of elaborate costumes and lavish sets

Question 29

What is the name of the prestigious international ballet competition for young dancers held annually in London?

Accepted Answer

Genée International Ballet Competition

Answer

Prix de Lausanne

Answer

YAGP International Ballet Competition

Answer

Vaganova International Ballet Competition

Question 30

Which ballet company, based in Birmingham, is renowned for its diverse repertoire and commitment to outreach and education programs?

Accepted Answer

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Answer

Scottish Ballet

Answer

Royal Ballet

Answer

English National Ballet

Question 31

What is the title of the beloved ballet adaptation of the classic children's tale featuring the mischievous rabbit character?

Accepted Answer

Beatrix Potter: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Friends

Answer

The Jungle Book

Answer

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Question 32

Why was the development of ballet in Britain delayed compared to other European countries?

Accepted Answer

Puritanical attitudes towards the frivolous nature of dance and its association with immorality

Answer

Unfavorable economic conditions

Answer

Absence of royal patronage

Answer

Lack of skilled dancers

Question 33

Who is widely regarded as the founder of the Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Ninette de Valois

Answer

Sergei Diaghilev

Answer

Cecchetti

Answer

Marius Petipa

Question 34

What was the significance of the Camargo Society in the development of ballet in Britain?

Accepted Answer

It revived interest in classical ballet, influenced the development of British ballet technique, and set the stage for the establishment of The Royal Ballet

Answer

It promoted the work of British choreographers.

Answer

It established the first permanent ballet company in Britain.

Question 35

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of the British ballet tradition?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on narrative, storytelling, and character development, prioritizing emotional expression and accessibility to a broader audience

Answer

Large-scale productions

Answer

Exclusive focus on abstract and contemporary styles

Answer

Purely technical virtuosity

Question 36

How did Frederick Ashton contribute to the development of British ballet?

Accepted Answer

He choreographed iconic works that expanded the repertoire, influenced generations of dancers, and helped shape the identity of the Royal Ballet

Answer

He introduced modern dance techniques to British ballet.

Answer

He established the first ballet school in Britain.

Question 37

What was the wider impact of The Royal Ballet's work internationally?

Accepted Answer

It set high standards for artistic excellence, inspired other companies, and contributed to the development of ballet worldwide

Answer

It introduced new and innovative dance styles to the international ballet scene.

Question 38

What is the current status of ballet in Britain?

Accepted Answer

It remains a vibrant and respected art form with a thriving community of dancers, choreographers, and companies, although it faces ongoing challenges

Answer

It has declined in popularity and significance compared to other dance styles.

Question 39

What are some of the challenges facing ballet in Britain today?

Accepted Answer

Funding constraints, accessibility for diverse audiences, and maintaining relevance in a changing cultural landscape

Answer

Competition from other art forms

Answer

Lack of skilled dancers

Question 40

Which of the following figures played a pivotal role in establishing ballet in Britain, founding the Vic-Wells Ballet and later the Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Ninette de Valois

Answer

Margot Fonteyn

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Answer

Rudolf Nureyev

Question 41

What was the original name of the company that later became the Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Vic-Wells Ballet

Answer

The Sadler's Wells Ballet

Answer

The Covent Garden Ballet

Answer

The Royal Opera House Ballet

Question 42

Which of these ballets, created by Frederick Ashton, is considered a cornerstone of the Royal Ballet's repertoire?

Accepted Answer

The Dream

Answer

Giselle

Answer

The Nutcracker

Answer

Swan Lake

Question 43

What was the primary reason for the slow acceptance of ballet in Britain during the early 20th century?

Accepted Answer

A prevailing preference for other dance forms, such as music hall and ballroom dancing.

Answer

Limited financial resources for ballet companies.

Answer

Lack of skilled dancers in Britain.

Question 44

Which of the following events significantly contributed to the rise of ballet in Britain during the 1930s and 1940s?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of the Sadler's Wells Ballet by Lilian Baylis.

Answer

The introduction of modern dance techniques.

Answer

The rise of television and its impact on dance.

Question 45

What impact did the rise of ballet in Britain have on the art form internationally?

Accepted Answer

It fostered innovation and creativity, contributing to the development of new ballet styles and techniques.

Answer

It led to a decline in the popularity of ballet in other countries.

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ballet as developed by the Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on improvisation and spontaneous movement.

Answer

Elegant and expressive storytelling.

Answer

Technical precision and virtuosity.

Question 47

Which of these renowned ballet dancers is associated with the Royal Ballet, known for their technical prowess and artistry?

Accepted Answer

Margot Fonteyn

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Answer

Isadora Duncan

Question 48

How did the establishment of the Royal Opera House, later known as the Covent Garden Opera House, influence the development of ballet in Britain?

Accepted Answer

It provided a prestigious venue for ballet performances, contributing to its growing popularity.

Answer

It led to a decline in the popularity of opera.

Answer

It had little impact on the development of ballet.

Question 49

Identify the ballet company that paved the way for the establishment of the Royal Ballet by introducing ballet to a wider audience in London.

Accepted Answer

The Sadler's Wells Ballet

Answer

The Birmingham Royal Ballet

Answer

The English National Ballet

Answer

The Royal Ballet School