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Eighteenth Century Dance Trivia Quiz

There were already quizzes on 16th, 17th and 19th century dance, so I decided to fill in the gap. Good luck!

A multiple-choice quiz by snm. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
snm

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
113,479

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
406

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Marie Allard, a French ballerina, was the mistress of Gaetano Vestris and the mother of Auguste Vestris. Why did she retire in 1782? Hint

She became pregnant

She didn't want to dance anymore

She fell down a flight of stairs and hurt her leg

She became fat

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Question 2 of 10

2. Why was Gaetano Vestris dismissed from his position as "danseur seul" at the Paris Opera in 1754? Hint

He rushed at the maitre de ballet with a sword

He was having an affair with the artistic director's wife

He had a drinking problem

He got his dancing partner pregnant

3. Jean George Noverre wrote down his ideas on dance in his "Letters On Dancing", which were published in 1760. When did his ideas become accepted within the mainstream of the ballet community? Hint

At the start of the 20th century

They never became acceptable

Immediately

In the mid 19th century

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Question 4 of 10

4. "Ballet D'Action" was one of many methods of creating ballets that existed in this time period. Which of the following was a principle of the "Ballet D'Action"? Hint

The dance itself is the most important element in a ballet- music, costume and decoration are subordinate

All of these

All ballets should be abstract, without a story

Music, movement, decoration and costume are subordinate to the unfolding of the theme

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. "La Camargo" and "La Salle" were the greatest ballerinas of the 18th century. They were great rivals. Is it true that they had the same first name?

Yes

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. While Camargo had a brilliant technique, Salle excelled in... Hint

Singing while she was dancing

Inventing new and exciting dance steps

Sensitive interpretation

Pointe work

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. What was Camargo's major contribution to female dance apparel? Hint

She tightened her bodice

She shortened her skirt

She didn't wear a hat

She danced in soft shoes

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Question 8 of 10

8. In the ballet "Pygmalion" Salle wore a new type of dance apparel, which caused a sensation. What was it? Hint

A short skirt

A leotard

A velvet dress

A muslin dress

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. Louis Dupre was a French dancer. What was his nickname? Hint

"Le Grand Danseur Louis Dupre"

"Le Grand Louis"

"Le Grand Dupre"

"Le Grand Danseur"

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Question 10 of 10

10. The following are ballets that are still being performed today. Which one originated in the 18th century? Hint

"La Bayadere"

"La Sylphide"

"Les Sylphides"

"La Fille Mal Gardee"

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Marie Allard, a French ballerina, was the mistress of Gaetano Vestris and the mother of Auguste Vestris. Why did she retire in 1782?

Answer: She became fat

She gave birth to Auguste in 1760.

2. Why was Gaetano Vestris dismissed from his position as "danseur seul" at the Paris Opera in 1754?

Answer: He rushed at the maitre de ballet with a sword

The maitre de ballet, J.B. Lany, was having an affair with Gaetano's sister Therese, who was also a dancer.

3. Jean George Noverre wrote down his ideas on dance in his "Letters On Dancing", which were published in 1760. When did his ideas become accepted within the mainstream of the ballet community?

Answer: At the start of the 20th century

Fokine of the "Ballets Russes" was the first choreographer to fully embrace Noverre's ideas.

4. "Ballet D'Action" was one of many methods of creating ballets that existed in this time period. Which of the following was a principle of the "Ballet D'Action"?

Answer: Music, movement, decoration and costume are subordinate to the unfolding of the theme

It is largely held that Noverre created the "Ballet D'Action".

5. "La Camargo" and "La Salle" were the greatest ballerinas of the 18th century. They were great rivals. Is it true that they had the same first name?

Answer: Yes

Both were named Marie.

6. While Camargo had a brilliant technique, Salle excelled in...

Answer: Sensitive interpretation

Pointe work wasn't invented until the 19th century. Some ballerinas have been known to sing on stage.

7. What was Camargo's major contribution to female dance apparel?

Answer: She shortened her skirt

She didn't shorten it much, just enough to show off her brilliant footwork. She was also the first dancer to wear drawers while dancing.

8. In the ballet "Pygmalion" Salle wore a new type of dance apparel, which caused a sensation. What was it?

Answer: A muslin dress

The dress was said to look like that of a Greek statue. She also danced with her hair down, which was unheard of at the time.

9. Louis Dupre was a French dancer. What was his nickname?

Answer: "Le Grand Dupre"

Dupre was Noverre's teacher.

10. The following are ballets that are still being performed today. Which one originated in the 18th century?

Answer: "La Fille Mal Gardee"

"La Fille Mal Gardee" was first performed in 1786, choreography by Dauberval, and was one of the first ballets to portray people rather than mythical creatures. "La Sylphide" and "La Bayadere" are 19th century ballets, and "Les Sylphides" is a 20th century ballet.

Source: Author snm

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor coolupway before going online.
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