Shake a Leg Trivia Quiz

Answer: Italy

Ballet originated in Italy during the Renaissance. It has spread around the world and become the most recognizable performance dance in the world. One of the most difficult dance forms to master, it is also one of the most popular. The leaps, pirouettes, and unique toe shoes make ballet one of the most graceful, and versatile, dances in the world.

Answer: Islam

Associated with the Islamic religion, a Dervish is a Muslim ascetic known for living lives of extreme self-denial and poverty. The whirling dance, depicted on this stamp, is part of a ceremony known as "Sema". One of the purposes of this exhausting dance is attempting to reach a mental state known as religious ecstasy.

While this dance was originally done for religious purposes only, it has now become a major tourist attraction in countries such as Turkey.

Answer: Can-Can

The can-can is a line-dance usually performed in a music hall for the enjoyment of the audience, as opposed to the enjoyment of the dancers themselves. It is usually performed by dancers wearing long skirts with voluminous petticoats and black stockings. The most notable move in this dance is the provocative high kick which is depicted in this image.

Answer: The Mashed Potato

"The Mashed Potato" was a dance related to the "Twist" that was very popular in the early 1960s. Numerous songs of the time mention the dance in their titles, including "Do the Mashed Potatoes" (1960) by Nat Kendrick and the Swans, "Mashed Potato Time" by Dee Dee Sharp (1962) and "Mashed Potato U.S.A." (1962) by James Brown.

As with many dances of the time, older generations found the pelvic gyrations that were popular at the time to be obscene and immodest.

Answer: It was originally performed on a soldier's shield

The Scottish dance known as the "Highland Fling" was originally performed by male warriors arriving home victorious from battle. The dance requires a very small area as it was originally performed while dancing on their shields which often had sharp metal spikes which could cause injury if the warrior fell while dancing. Today it is performed while wearing a tartan kilt and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland.

The dance has changed very little over time and involves intricate footwork performed while remaining in the same spot throughout the dance.

Answer: Flamenco

The Flamenco is a Spanish folk dance that originated in the Andulasian region of southern Spain. The use of castanets, foot stomping and graceful arm movements are some of the hallmarks of this beautiful dance. The term "Flamenco" refers to a style of singing and guitar playing, as well as to the dance itself.

In some variations hand clapping is used instead of the small wooden castanets seen in the photo.

Answer: Fan dance

Sally Rand (1904-1979) was a burlesque dancer famous for her renditions of the fan dance. Using large fans made of peacock feathers, Rand appeared to perform her erotic dance in the nude. In actuality she was wearing a flesh colored body suit that was often decorated with body paint.

She can be seen performing this dance in the 1934 movie "Bolero". While this dance may seem very mild today, at the time, it was considered by many to be obscene and resulted in numerous arrests for indecent exposure.

Answer: True

The jitterbug was a popular 1930s dance that was influenced by other popular dances of the times, such as the Lindy Hop and the Charleston. The name of this high energy dance takes its name from the shaking "jitters" or delirium tremens suffered by alcoholics during this time of Prohibition.

This was a swing type dance that derived many of its moves from many cultures including African, Caribbean, and European dances. It could be performed as a group dance, a couples dance, and as a solo dance.

Answer: False

The "Belly Dance" is an English term for many of the Middle-Eastern dances performed by women which usually feature intricate abdominal articulation. There are many variations of this dance which is usually performed solo and it is performed for many holidays and other special occasions. Intricate costuming with beading, sequins, and brightly colored silk or chiffon adds to the display.

Answer: Break dancing

Break dancing is a modern dance with a myriad of movements that can involve the dancer performing on their feet, hands, and/or head. Usually performed to hip-hop style music, this dance has spread across the world giving rise to many large dance competitions. Break dancing takes strength, balance, and great creativity.