Modern and Contemporary Dance in Britain: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

Who is widely acknowledged as the 'Father of Modern Dance' in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Antony Tudor

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Answer

Kenneth MacMillan

Answer

Ninette de Valois

Question 2

Which dance company is often credited as the birthplace of contemporary dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Rambert Dance Company

Answer

National Ballet Company

Answer

English National Ballet

Answer

Northern Ballet Company

Question 3

Which social and cultural factor had a significant influence on the emergence of modern dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Post-World War I disillusionment

Answer

Rise of industrialization

Answer

Victorian morality

Answer

Technological advancements

Question 4

Which technique is a defining characteristic of contemporary dance and involves movement on the floor?

Accepted Answer

Floor work

Answer

Turnout

Answer

Pointe work

Answer

Barre exercises

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Strong use of contraction and release

Answer

Focus on weight and gravity

Answer

Fluid and lyrical arm movements

Answer

High jumps and leaps

Question 6

What is a distinctive characteristic of the work of Akram Khan?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of Eastern and Western dance traditions

Answer

Use of improvisation

Answer

Narrative-driven storytelling

Answer

Abstract and minimalist choreography

Question 7

Which significant historical event played a major role in shaping modern dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

World War II

Answer

The Industrial Revolution

Answer

World War I

Answer

The Cold War

Question 8

Which dance technique prioritizes improvisation, experimentation, and collaboration?

Accepted Answer

Modern dance

Answer

Classical ballet

Answer

Tap dance

Answer

Hip-hop dance

Question 9

What is a defining feature of contemporary dance?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of social issues

Answer

Strict adherence to traditional forms

Answer

Emphasis on storytelling

Answer

Use of minimalist sets

Question 10

Who founded the Martha Graham Dance Company, a notable modern dance company?

Accepted Answer

Martha Graham (American)

Answer

Isadora Duncan (American)

Answer

Mary Wigman (German)

Answer

Hanya Holm (German-American)

Question 11

Which dance style originated within the African-American community in the early 20th century?

Accepted Answer

Jazz

Answer

Tap

Answer

Hip-hop

Answer

Breakdance

Question 12

Which principle is central to postmodern dance?

Accepted Answer

Rejection of traditional hierarchies

Answer

Focus on technical virtuosity

Answer

Emphasis on representation

Answer

Use of elaborate costumes

Question 13

Which contemporary dance company is based in Birmingham, England?

Accepted Answer

Hofesh Shechter Company

Answer

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Answer

Rambert Dance Company

Answer

Northern Ballet

Question 14

Who is credited with pioneering modern dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Rambert Dance Company

Answer

The Royal Ballet

Answer

London Contemporary Dance School

Question 15

How has British modern and contemporary dance impacted the global dance scene?

Accepted Answer

British dance techniques, like Cunningham and Release, are used by dancers and choreographers worldwide.

Answer

British contemporary dance has had little influence on international dance.

Answer

British dance's impact is mostly seen in ballet and ballroom dancing.

Answer

British dance has mainly influenced dance in former British colonies.

Question 16

How did the emergence of postmodernism impact the evolution of contemporary dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

It fostered experimentation and a shift away from traditional ballet techniques.

Answer

It caused a decline in the popularity and relevance of contemporary dance companies.

Answer

It had little to no influence on the development of contemporary dance.

Answer

It sparked a resurgence of interest in classical ballet.

Question 17

Which British choreographer is widely credited as a pioneer in the development of postmodern dance?

Accepted Answer

Michael Clark

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Answer

Kenneth MacMillan

Answer

Matthew Bourne

Question 18

Which influential dance company was established in 1968, renowned for its innovative and experimental approach to dance?

Accepted Answer

London Contemporary Dance Theatre

Answer

The Royal Ballet

Answer

Ballet Rambert

Answer

Phoenix Dance Theatre

Question 19

Which notable characteristic marked the 'new wave' of British contemporary dance in the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

Rejection of traditional gender roles in dance

Answer

Emphasis on adherence to classical ballet techniques

Answer

Influence of traditional folk dance forms

Answer

Minimalist aesthetic principles

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT an essential component of the Laban Movement Analysis system?

Accepted Answer

Character

Answer

Body

Answer

Effort

Answer

Space

Question 21

Which British choreographer has forged a reputation for collaborating with visual artists and musicians in their work?

Accepted Answer

Wayne McGregor

Answer

William Forsythe

Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Akram Khan

Question 22

What is the term used to describe a dance performance that is specifically created and performed in a non-traditional setting?

Accepted Answer

Created specifically for a non-traditional performance space

Answer

Performed in a traditional theatre

Answer

Designed for a particular audience

Answer

Based on improvisation

Question 23

Which major theme is frequently explored in the works of British choreographer Akram Khan?

Accepted Answer

Cultural identity

Answer

Gender equality

Answer

Ecological sustainability

Answer

Technological advancement

Question 24

What is the primary role of a dance critic?

Accepted Answer

To analyze and evaluate dance performances

Answer

To teach dance students

Answer

To choreograph dance pieces

Answer

To promote dance to the public

Question 25

Which dance company is known for pioneering British contemporary dance through collaborations with renowned choreographers and showcasing groundbreaking works?

Accepted Answer

Rambert Dance Company

Answer

The Royal Ballet

Answer

English National Ballet

Answer

Northern Ballet

Question 26

Which contemporary dance technique, developed by Trisha Brown, incorporates everyday actions and objects into its practice?

Accepted Answer

ATET (Accumulation, Transfer, Embodiment and Technology)

Answer

Graham technique

Answer

Limón technique

Answer

Cunningham technique

Question 27

How have digital technologies and multimedia been incorporated into contemporary dance performances and creations?

Accepted Answer

Digital projection systems enhance the visual impact of performances.

Accepted Answer

Motion capture and virtual reality create interactive and immersive dance environments.

Accepted Answer

Dance-specific software aids in choreographic notation and movement analysis.

Answer

Contemporary dance exclusively employs traditional dance techniques without technological integration.

Question 28

Who is widely regarded as the 'Father of British Modern Dance'?

Accepted Answer

Rudolf Laban

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Answer

Kenneth MacMillan

Answer

Ninette de Valois

Question 29

Which dance company, founded in 1926, is recognized as one of the most influential in the development of British contemporary dance?

Accepted Answer

Rambert Dance Company

Answer

The Royal Ballet

Answer

Sadler's Wells Theatre

Answer

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Question 30

Which dance technique, developed by Rudolf Laban, has become a foundational element of British modern and contemporary dance training?

Accepted Answer

Laban Movement Analysis

Answer

Graham Technique

Answer

Cecchetti Method

Answer

Vaganova Method

Question 31

During the early 20th century, which social movement had a significant influence on the emergence of modern dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Women's Suffrage Movement

Answer

Industrial Revolution

Answer

Anti-War Movement

Answer

Civil Rights Movement

Question 32

Which contemporary British choreographer is renowned for their innovative use of digital technology and immersive dance experiences?

Accepted Answer

Wayne McGregor

Answer

Aakash Odedra

Answer

Russell Maliphant

Question 33

Which renowned choreographer and director is widely credited with founding The Royal Ballet?

Accepted Answer

Ninette de Valois

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Answer

Margot Fonteyn

Question 34

In contemporary dance, how is the concept of 'liminality', which involves transitional and in-between states, expressed through movement and performance?

Accepted Answer

Exploring human existence's transitional and fluid stages through movement

Answer

Disrupting traditional dance techniques

Answer

Focusing on the connection between performers and audience

Answer

Incorporating multimedia and technology into performances

Question 35

How has the exchange of ideas and practices across cultures influenced the development of contemporary dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Introduced new movement styles and choreography techniques

Answer

Led to the formation of exclusively non-British dance companies

Answer

Had no significant impact on British contemporary dance

Answer

Solely influenced the music choices in British contemporary dance

Question 36

Who is recognized as the pioneer of modern dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Rudolf von Laban

Answer

Ninette de Valois

Answer

Isadora Duncan

Answer

Merce Cunningham

Question 37

Which dance company has significantly contributed to the growth and development of contemporary dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Rambert Dance Company

Answer

Royal Ballet

Answer

Birmingham Royal Ballet

Answer

National Dance Company Wales

Question 38

Which choreographer is known for their distinctive abstract and non-narrative approach to dance?

Accepted Answer

William Forsythe

Answer

Kenneth MacMillan

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Answer

Akram Khan

Question 39

How did social and political events impact the development of modern dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

It prompted choreographers to delve into themes of identity and social justice.

Answer

It resulted in a surge of escapist and imaginative dance works.

Answer

It led to a decline in funding for dance companies.

Answer

It had a negligible impact on the evolution of the art form.

Question 40

Which attribute is NOT characteristic of contemporary dance?

Accepted Answer

Adherence to traditional ballet techniques

Answer

Emphasis on individuality and personal expression

Answer

Incorporation of everyday movements

Answer

Collaboration with other art forms

Question 41

Which choreographer has gained recognition for their innovative use of multimedia in dance productions?

Accepted Answer

Wayne McGregor

Answer

Matthew Bourne

Answer

Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Answer

Christopher Bruce

Question 42

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of British contemporary dance?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on physicality, movement innovation, and exploration of personal narratives

Answer

Strict adherence to rigid, classical ballet technique

Answer

Limited use of diverse artistic disciplines in performances

Answer

Sole focus on abstract and non-representational forms

Question 43

Who is the American choreographer whose experimental and improvisational approach influenced the emergence of postmodern dance in Britain in the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

Merce Cunningham

Answer

Twyla Tharp

Answer

Martha Graham

Answer

José Limón

Question 44

Which contemporary British choreographer is renowned for creating theatrical, narrative-driven works that often reimagine classical ballets with a unique twist?

Accepted Answer

Matthew Bourne

Answer

Akram Khan

Answer

Michael Clark

Answer

Wayne McGregor

Question 45

Which of the following factors significantly influenced the development of modern dance in Britain in the early 20th century?

Accepted Answer

The rise of social reform movements and a desire for greater artistic expression beyond traditional forms

Answer

The dominance of classical ballet in the dance world

Answer

The lack of government funding for dance initiatives

Question 46

Matthew Bourne's groundbreaking work 'Swan Lake' reimagines the classic ballet through which innovative approach?

Accepted Answer

Gender-bending and the exploration of non-traditional gender roles in dance

Answer

Integration of technology and digital media

Answer

Emphasis on technical virtuosity and athleticism

Question 47

How has British dance contributed to the global dance landscape?

Accepted Answer

By pioneering new expressive forms, fostering international collaborations, inspiring dancers worldwide, and influencing the development of dance in different regions

Answer

By solely focusing on traditional ballet techniques and styles

Question 48

Which contemporary dance company is known for its commitment to addressing social and political issues through its works?

Accepted Answer

Akram Khan Company

Answer

The Royal Ballet

Answer

Scottish Ballet

Answer

English National Ballet

Question 49

What is the significance of the Sadler's Wells Theatre in the history of British dance?

Accepted Answer

It has been a major venue for contemporary dance performances, a hub for dance development, and supported the creation of new works by emerging choreographers.

Answer

It focuses primarily on dance education and training

Answer

It is solely dedicated to classical ballet productions

Question 50

Which British choreographer is known for pioneering modern dance with a focus on natural movement and everyday gestures?

Accepted Answer

Rudolf Laban

Answer

Kenneth MacMillan

Answer

William Forsythe

Answer

Frederick Ashton

Question 51

Which dance company, established in 1926, is renowned for its dedication to contemporary dance and collaborations with innovative choreographers?

Accepted Answer

Rambert Dance Company

Answer

Matthew Bourne's New Adventures

Answer

Akram Khan Company

Answer

The Royal Ballet

Question 52

How did the social and political changes following World War II impact British contemporary dance?

Accepted Answer

It led to a shift away from traditional ballet towards more experimental and expressive forms.

Answer

It had little effect on the development of contemporary dance.

Answer

It resulted in a decline in dance's popularity in Britain.

Question 53

How has British contemporary dance influenced the global dance scene?

Accepted Answer

It has inspired and collaborated with choreographers and companies worldwide, contributing to new styles and techniques.

Answer

It has remained largely isolated from international dance trends.

Question 54

What is a defining characteristic of postmodern dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

Rejection of traditional ballet vocabulary and structures

Answer

Emphasis on virtuosic technique

Answer

Focus on narrative storytelling

Question 55

How did the Young British Artists movement influence contemporary dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

It encouraged collaborations between dancers and visual artists, resulting in innovative and experimental works.

Answer

It had no influence on the development of contemporary dance.

Question 56

How has digital technology impacted the creation and distribution of contemporary dance in Britain?

Accepted Answer

It has allowed choreographers to explore new forms of movement and storytelling, making dance works more accessible to global audiences.

Answer

It has negatively impacted the live dance experience.