Introduction to Dance – Final Exam Study Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from modern dance, jazz, tap, and related subjects.

Isadora Duncan

Known as the “Mother of Modern Dance.” Inspired by nature, Greek art, and freedom of movement. Rejected ballet’s strict formality.

Ruth St. Denis

Blended the spiritual themes with dance. Influenced by Eastern cultures.

Ted Shawn

He started Denishawn with Ruth St. Denis. He focused on strong male dancers and athletic moves.

Martha Graham

She made her own dance style using tightening and relaxing the body. She showed deep emotions and thoughts through her dances.

Merce Cunningham

Believed that dance didn't need to tell a story, favored random and abstract movements.

What were the reasons for the emergence of a new form of dance very early in the 20th century?

A response to ballet's stiffness, allowing dancers to express real feelings, freedom, and individual styles.

Fred Astaire

Famous for combining tap with ballroom dance and known for his musical films with Ginger Rogers.

Busby Berkeley

Famous for creating large, beautiful dance patterns in movies using innovative camera techniques.

Nicholas Brothers

Known for their acrobatic tap routines and 'flash dancing.'

Katherine Dunham

Mixed Caribbean and African dance with modern dance and ballet, also studied cultures as a scientist.

Bob Fosse

A special jazz style used turned-in knees, hats, and body isolations. It was used in shows like Chicago, Cabaret, and Sweet Charity.

What ethnic dance forms contributed to the early development of tap dancing?

It was developed from a blend of African tribal dances and Irish step dancing.

What were the differences between the touring minstrel shows of the 19th century and the vaudeville shows of the 20th century?

Minstrel shows used racist stereotypes and blackface. They did not have much variety. Vaudeville shows had many different acts like comedy, singing, and dancing. They included performers from different backgrounds.

The Need to Be Thin

1. In dance, there is a lot of pressure to stay very thin because of old ideas about how dancers should look. This can cause body image problems and eating disorders. Trying to look “light” and “graceful” can hurt a dancer’s health and feelings over time.

Dance Medicine

1. Dance medicine takes care of dancers' bodies. It helps prevent injuries, gives treatment, and improves performance. As dance becomes more physical, dancers need special care. Dance medicine keeps them healthy and helps them dance longer and safer.

What three American Modern Dance Pioneers can be credited with the important development of modern dance?

Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, and Ted Shawn.

In what way do you think the advent of modern dance changed the development of the other theatrical dance forms such as ballet?

Modern dance changed ideas about what dance could be. It pushed ballet to grow by adding more feeling, expression, and modern styles and stories.