Highland Dance Positions Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the angle of turnout for each foot in the first position?

45°

90° (correct)

120°

60°

In the second position, where is the working leg extended?

To the side at a 90° angle (correct)

Forward at a 90° angle

Directly upward

To the back at a 45° angle

Which of the following examples corresponds with the third position feet?

Last step of the fling

Rocks and toe heels (correct)

Pas de basque

Jumping jacks

When is the working foot in contact with the calf of the supporting leg?

In the third rear aerial position Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of the working foot in the fourth position?

It is turned out at 90° from the line of direction. Signup and view all the answers

At what height does the working foot reach in the normal level of the third aerial position?

Just below the knee Signup and view all the answers

How should the weight be distributed when the feet are on the balls in the third position?

Equally distributed over both feet Signup and view all the answers

Which example is not associated with the fourth position?

Last step of the fling Signup and view all the answers

What position is used exclusively in the sword for the half point?

Fourth position Signup and view all the answers

At what angle is the working foot turned out when placed on the toe, half point, or heel?

90° Signup and view all the answers

Which movement begins on the ball of one foot and finishes on the ball of the same foot?

Hop Signup and view all the answers

In the first position, how should the arms be positioned?

Resting on the hips Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of lightly grouping the fingers?

To ensure the thumb contacts the first joint Signup and view all the answers

Which movement uses a total of four counts of music or one bar of music?

Shedding Signup and view all the answers

What action is performed after the hop in a toe and heel movement?

Place the heel without weight in third position Signup and view all the answers

How are the third and fifth positions related?

They are interchangeable for any basic movements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the working foot when performing a toe heel movement?

The toe should be in contact with the ground without weight. Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct arm position during the second position arms?

One arm is in first position, the other is raised at the side. Signup and view all the answers

In which arm position are both arms raised similarly to second position but with palms facing inwards?

Third position arms Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the stance of the body during the dances?

The body should be held in a natural, easy manner. Signup and view all the answers

In which position is the working foot placed with a straight knee except when in fourth opposite fifth?

Open position Signup and view all the answers

What should arms do after completing a bow if they were at the sides of the body?

Be placed in first position on the first count following the bow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate duration for a bow during a Highland fling?

4 or 6 counts Signup and view all the answers

During dance movements, what should the raised arm always be opposite to?

The working leg Signup and view all the answers

In pas de basque, what is the position of the working foot after the spring?

3rd or 5th on the half point Signup and view all the answers

When performing a turn using two pas de basque, what is true regarding the extension after the first pas de basque?

No extension is done after the first pas de basque Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the open pas de basque?

It can be performed in multiple positions Signup and view all the answers

What direction can pas de basque travel?

Can travel forward or backward Signup and view all the answers

What is the key action involved in a shake for the highland fling?

Controlled by the knee and thigh Signup and view all the answers

In the counting format used for shakes, what does the (and) notation signify?

No action is performed Signup and view all the answers

When performing rocks, what is the primary position of the feet upon landing?

Working foot pointed first Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus on the movement of the working foot during a high cut?

To spring, hop, or disassemble while extending Signup and view all the answers

What should the position of the working foot be in a closed position?

Vertical with the knee flexed Signup and view all the answers

Which step may not require extensions when dancing high cuts?

First high cut in other basic reel steps Signup and view all the answers

In the second position head, how should the chin be positioned?

Slightly raised with a diagonal turn Signup and view all the answers

During the introduction to the sword dance, what is the sequence of counts for bowing?

1 2 3 4 Signup and view all the answers

What position should the head be in when the arms are in second position?

Turned diagonally away from the raised arm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the ball of the foot is correct?

It should be raised off the ground Signup and view all the answers

In the context of highland fling or rocks, what is the position of the head generally used?

First position head Signup and view all the answers

When is a high cut danced with a disassemble required to be extended?

Only in the sword dance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Feet Positions

First Position
- Heels together, weight evenly distributed, feet turned out at 90° (45° from the line of direction).
- Feet can be flat or on the balls.
- Example: Introduction to all Highland dances.
Second Position
- Working leg extended to the side at a 90° angle.
- Toe and heel of working foot aligned with the heel of supporting foot.
- Can be placed on toe, half point, flat, or ball.
- Examples: Last step of the fling, open pas de basque in the sword dance.
Third Position
- Working foot contacts the arch of the supporting foot, turned out 90° if on toe, half point, or heel.
- Weight evenly distributed if on balls of both feet, turned out at least 45°.
- Examples: Toe rocks, pas de basque.
Third Aerial Position
- Outside edge of working foot against front of supporting leg, knee of working leg held back.
- Levels: Normal (heel below knee), Low (toe at ankle), Very Low (foot just above floor).
- Examples: Shedding movement.
Third Rear Aerial Position
- Inside edge of working foot against calf of supporting leg, knee held back.
- Similar height to normal third aerial; foot not visible from front.
- Examples: High cuts, components of shedding movement.
Fourth Position
- Working leg extended forward, heels aligned with direction.
- Can be placed on toe or half point (90° turn out for half point).
- Example: Spring points in hulican, open pas de basque.
Fifth Position
- Working foot at big toe joint of supporting foot, can be on toe, half point, ball, or heel.
- Must turn out 90° when on toe, half point, or heel; balls of feet turned out 45°.
- Interchangeable with third position.
- Examples: Toe rocks, pas de basque.

Movements

Hop
- Elevation movement from the ball of one foot to the same foot.
- Examples: Shedding movements.
Spring
- Elevation from one foot to the other.
- Examples: High cuts, shuffles.

Arm Positions

First Position Arms
- Hands on hips, back of hands facing front, elbows out to sides.
- Examples: Bow, pas de basque.
Second Position Arms
- One arm in first position, the other raised slightly curved, palm inwards and opposite working leg.
- Example: Shedding.
Third Position Arms
- Both arms raised as in second position, palms facing inwards.
- Example: High cuts.
Fourth Position Arms
- Closer and higher than third position, hands nearly touching.
- Example: Introduction of the sword dance.
Fifth Position Arms
- Arms in front of body, gently curved, nearly touching kilt.
- Examples: Shake in sword dance, brushing movements.

Specific Movements and Steps

Bow
- Feet and head in first position, arms in first or sides, slow forward bend.
- Example: Counts vary depending on dance.
Pas de Basque
- Starting from second aerial position low, spring to the side, then position working foot to 3rd or 5th.
- Travels forward or sideways.
- Counting varies for sword and reel.
Shake for Highland Fling
- Knee-controlled shake with hop, composed of two shake actions.
- Counts: 1 and (and) a 2.
Rocks
- Spring between third or fifth position to third rear position.
- Typically performed in series; uses 1 count of music.
High Cut
- Spring or disassemble to third rear aerial position, extending foot to second aerial position.
- Counts: Various depending on context.

Stance and Posture

Correct Stance
- Natural, relaxed posture with straight back, no stiffness.
Working Foot on Toe
- No weight on toe, fully pointed in open position.
Working Foot on Half Point
- Toes contact ground, heel elevated, may apply partial weight.

Head Positions

First Position Head
- Faces front, eyes level, common in first, third, fourth, or fifth arm positions.
Second Position Head
- Turned diagonally, chin raised, usually in second arm position.

Introduction to Sword Dance

Bars 1-2: Stand as for bow.
Bars 3-4: Bow and step to the left with left foot, point right foot in position.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the foot positions in Highland dance, focusing on the first and second positions. Understand the angles and placements necessary for proper technique in these traditional dance forms. Perfect for dancers and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding!