📚 Mini Site 5 · Section A · 5.1
Section A: Performance Skills Questions
Section A Q7–Q12 · Overview · Five question formats · Recipes · Watch-outs
📚 What this section covers
- Section A Q7–Q12 are all performance skills questions — every mark is earnable if you know the recipe
- There are exactly five question formats — each with a different structure and mark scheme
- The gap between knowing the skills (Mini Site 1) and scoring marks is knowing the format rules
- This mini site teaches you the recipe, the improvement methods, a full question bank and quick-reference tools
💡 Knowing vs Scoring
You may know what isolation means — but still score 1/2 if you don't include both "independent" and "movement of part of the body" in your answer.
Mini Site 1 taught you what the skills are. This mini site teaches you how to answer questions about them so every mark lands.
The two most common mark losses in this section: (1) missing the second ingredient on a 2-mark definition. (2) writing "prevents injury" as a cool-down reason.
📋
How this mini site is structured
Each page focuses on one part of answering these questions. Work through them in order, or jump to what you need.
4.1
Question Formats
The five formats that appear in Q7–Q12. A recipe for each — what to write, how much, and what scores zero.
4.2
How to Improve
Physical skills need exercises. Technical, expressive and mental skills need methods. Cool-down questions need exact physiological language.
4.3
Question Bank
60+ practice questions across all five formats. Mark-scheme reveals. Annotated model answers for every question type.
4.4
Quick Reference
Category sort, definition drill flashcards and a priority list of the most examined terms.
5.1 · Question Formats — Know the Recipe for Each
📋 Recipe
- Read all four options before ticking.
- Tick exactly one box. No explanation is needed or marked.
- If unsure, eliminate obviously wrong options first.
⚠️
More than one tick = 0 — even if one was correct.No partial marks in MCQ questions.
⚠️
Category questions are the main trap.Spatial awareness = Expressive, not Physical. Counterpoint = Relationship Content (Technical), not Spatial. Movement memory = Mental, not Technical.
1 markWhich category does spatial awareness belong to?
[1m] C — Expressive.
Spatial awareness is an expressive skill: consciousness of the surrounding space and its effective use.⚠️ Most common wrong answer: Physical. Spatial awareness is about artistic use of space — that is Expressive, not a physical capability.
Spatial awareness is an expressive skill: consciousness of the surrounding space and its effective use.⚠️ Most common wrong answer: Physical. Spatial awareness is about artistic use of space — that is Expressive, not a physical capability.
1 markWhich of these is NOT a physical skill?
[1m] Spatial awareness.
It is an expressive skill. All of posture, control and extension are physical skills.
It is an expressive skill. All of posture, control and extension are physical skills.
1 markWhich category does movement memory belong to?
[1m] Mental — specifically a during-performance mental skill (the M in MC³).
It is not a technical skill, even though it concerns movement content.⚠️ A very common category error under exam pressure.
It is not a technical skill, even though it concerns movement content.⚠️ A very common category error under exam pressure.
📋 Recipe
- 1-mark version: one key idea from the specification definition.
- 2-mark version: both ingredients must be present. One alone = 1/2.
- Exact wording is not required — but both ideas must be clearly there.
- Writing more than the definition does not score more marks.
✏️
Both ingredients must be present for 2/2
Use the table below as your reference. Know it — these are the definitions that appear most often.
| Skill | Marks | Ingredient 1 | Ingredient 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | 2m | start/stop movement and/or change direction | hold a shape efficiently |
| Isolation | 2m | independent | movement of part of the body |
| Counterpoint | 2m | different phrases | at the same time / simultaneously |
| Timing | 2m | use of time or counts | matching movements to sound and/or other dancers |
| Expressive skills | 2m | performance artistry | engage the audience |
| Projection (demonstrate) | 2m | specific physical action described | explains how it draws in the audience |
| Stamina | 1m | ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time | |
| Mental rehearsal | 1m | thinking through or visualising the dance | |
| Phrasing | 1m | the way in which energy is distributed in the execution of a movement phrase | |
| Movement memory | 1m | automatic recall of learned movement material without conscious thought | |
| Flexibility | 1m | range of movement in the joints (muscles, tendons and ligaments) | |
❌ 1/2 only1m
Control means being able to stop and start when dancing.Missing: 'hold a shape efficiently' — the second ingredient.
✓ Full marks2m
The ability to start and stop movement, change direction and hold a shape efficiently.Both ingredients present.
2 marksDefine the term isolation.
[1m] An independent movement...
[1m] ...of part of the body.
Full: An independent movement of part of the body.⚠️ Do NOT define isolation as 'performing alone in space' — scores 0.
[1m] ...of part of the body.
Full: An independent movement of part of the body.⚠️ Do NOT define isolation as 'performing alone in space' — scores 0.
2 marksDefine the term counterpoint.
[1m] When dancers perform different phrases...
[1m] ...simultaneously / at the same time.
⚠️ Counterpoint ≠ canon. Canon = same phrase at different times. Counterpoint = different phrases simultaneously.
[1m] ...simultaneously / at the same time.
⚠️ Counterpoint ≠ canon. Canon = same phrase at different times. Counterpoint = different phrases simultaneously.
1 markDefine the term stamina.
[1m] Ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time.
Note: both physical AND mental must be present even for the 1-mark answer.
Note: both physical AND mental must be present even for the 1-mark answer.
2 marksDefine the term expressive skills.
[1m] Aspects that contribute to performance artistry...
[1m] ...that engage the audience.
[1m] ...that engage the audience.
2 marksDefine the term timing.
[1m] The use of time or counts...
[1m] ...when matching movements to sound and/or other dancers.
[1m] ...when matching movements to sound and/or other dancers.
1 markDefine the term mental rehearsal.
[1m] Thinking through or visualising the dance.
1 markDefine the term phrasing.
[1m] The way in which energy is distributed in the execution of a movement phrase.
1 markDefine the term movement memory.
[1m] The automatic recall of learned movement material without conscious thought.
⚠️ Movement memory is a MENTAL skill (MC³) — not a Technical skill.
⚠️ Movement memory is a MENTAL skill (MC³) — not a Technical skill.
1 markDefine the term flexibility.
[1m] Range of movement in the joints — involving muscles, tendons and ligaments.
2 marksDescribe one way a dancer can demonstrate projection.
[1m] Describes a specific action — e.g. directing the gaze outward; extending lines to fingertips; using the whole body as the performance channel.
[1m] Explains how this connects with or draws in the audience.
Full: 'Direct the gaze toward the back of the hall [1m] so the outward energy creates a visible connection with the audience, making the performance feel directed at them. [1m]'The second mark requires an explanation of effect on the audience — not just a second action.
[1m] Explains how this connects with or draws in the audience.
Full: 'Direct the gaze toward the back of the hall [1m] so the outward energy creates a visible connection with the audience, making the performance feel directed at them. [1m]'The second mark requires an explanation of effect on the audience — not just a second action.
📋 Recipe
- Write two clearly distinct reasons — not the same point rephrased.
- Each reason = 1 mark. Giving more than two is fine — the best two are marked.
- Each reason must name the specific effect on performance, health or safety.
⚠️
Vague reasons score 0."It makes you dance better" = 0. A specific, nameable physiological or performance effect is required.
⚠️
Cool-down ≠ warm-up."Prevents injury" = warm-up reason. For cool-down, see section 5.2.3 for the exact language required.
2 marksGive two reasons why warming up is important.
- Increases blood flow and raises the heart rate, warming the muscles and reducing risk of strains and tears
- Mentally prepares the dancer, improving focus and concentration before performing
- Lubricates the joints, improving range of movement
- Increases flexibility, reducing risk of injury
2 marksGive two reasons why cooling down is important.
- Gradually lowers heart rate and breathing to a safe resting level
- Helps disperse lactic acid from the muscles, reducing post-performance soreness
- Prevents blood pooling in the veins/legs
- Reduces core body temperature gradually
2 marksGive two reasons why stamina is important for a dancer.
- Maintains quality of movement throughout — without stamina, timing slips and precision is lost
- Allows the dancer to build toward a climax and sustain energy in the most demanding sections
- Sustains mental focus, reducing risk of errors caused by fatigue
2 marksGive two reasons why hydration is important.
- Prevents cramp, allowing muscles to work efficiently throughout
- Prevents dizziness that would affect balance and spatial awareness
- Prevents build-up of lactic acid, supporting sustained performance
- Regulates body temperature
2 marksGive two reasons why appropriate dancewear is important.
- Allows the teacher or examiner to see body lines and alignment clearly
- Jewellery removed — rings and piercings can catch or cut other dancers during contact work
- Appropriate footwear reduces the risk of slipping
- Suitable clothing allows freedom of movement
2 marksGive two reasons why nutrition is important for a dancer.
- Provides energy for stamina — prevents fatigue during demanding sections
- Poor nutrition causes dizziness and loss of concentration, directly affecting performance quality
- Supports muscle recovery between rehearsals
2 marksGive two reasons why balance is important in performance.
- Creates moments of stillness and visual impact that communicate control and intention
- Allows the dancer to hit a musical accent precisely, emphasising the structure of the phrase
- Demonstrates technical precision, making the performance look polished and deliberate
2 marksGive two reasons why focus is important in performance.
- Suggests character and emotion — a deliberate focus line communicates intent to the audience
- Makes the performance look confident and purposeful, engaging the audience
- Prevents the dancer from looking uncertain or distracted, which undermines the performance quality
2 marksGive two reasons why mobility is important for a dancer.
- Allows the dancer to move fluently from action to action, making transitions look effortless
- Supports full use of the performance space — the dancer can cover the stage without restriction
2 marksGive two reasons why phrasing is important in performance.
- Creates light and shade within the phrase — not everything at the same intensity, which adds interest and variety
- Allows the energy of the movement to match the musical phrase, making the performance feel musical and expressive rather than mechanical
📋 Recipe
- Write two specific, actionable methods that directly address the skill.
- Each method = 1 mark. Must be specific enough to be followed in a studio.
- For demonstrate questions: specific action [1m] + explains audience effect [1m].
⚠️
"Practise more" = 0.A named, specific technique is required — e.g. "count aloud during rehearsal" or "use peripheral vision to monitor other dancers".
💡
Physical skills vs other skills
For physical skills, give a specific exercise (what the dancer does). For Technical, Expressive and Mental skills, give a specific method (how they work in the studio). Section 5.2 has the full reference lists.
2 marksGive two ways to improve timing when performing in a group.
- Count aloud during rehearsal until the counts are fully internalised
- Use peripheral vision to stay aware of other dancers without looking directly at them
- Film yourself alongside the music and verify accents hit on the correct counts
- Use a count grid to plan which beats each movement falls on
2 marksGive two ways to improve musicality.
- Listen carefully to the music and identify rhythm, dynamics and mood — then practise hitting musical accents precisely
- Work on phrasing — match the length and energy of each movement phrase to the musical phrase
- Count beats internally and practise hitting accents in the movement
2 marksGive two ways to improve coordination.
- Combine different body parts progressively — start with two, then layer in a third and fourth
- Rhythmic exercises: clap whilst stepping to a pattern, building complexity over time
- Cross-lateral exercises — e.g. right arm with left leg moving simultaneously
- Systematic repetition of the most complex phrases at slow tempo first
2 marksGive two ways to improve projection.
- Perform to a live audience — even an audience of one changes the quality of energy directed outward
- Fix a focus point at the back of the studio as your 'audience' and direct energy toward it throughout
- Film yourself and assess whether the energy reaches the camera or stays inside your body
2 marksGive two ways to improve sensitivity to other dancers.
- Contact improvisation exercises — respond to your partner's weight and direction without looking at them
- Use peripheral vision during rehearsal rather than watching your own reflection
- Debrief after each run-through: discuss what you responded to and what you missed
2 marksGive two ways to improve movement memory.
- Systematic repetition of weak sections in isolation — methodical, targeted repetition builds muscle memory
- Mental rehearsal — visualise the full phrase away from the studio to reinforce sequencing
- Run the phrase backwards from the final section to test that memory is robust
2 marksGive two ways to improve dynamic content.
- Use a count grid to plan exactly where dynamics shift within the phrase
- Film yourself and identify which FASST pair you default to — then practise its opposite
- Isolate one section and perform it with three different FASST pairs to develop range
2 marksGive two ways to improve flexibility.
- Developé sequence — extend working leg forward, side and back, holding each position for 4 counts
- Regular active stretching of hamstrings, hip flexors and spine after each session while muscles are warm
- Static holds during cool-down — hold each stretch for 15–20 seconds to gradually increase range
2 marksGive two ways to improve focus.
- Practise in the mirror — is your eye-line purposeful or drifting? Identify specific moments where focus breaks
- Film yourself and watch back with the sound turned off — does your focus communicate the intended quality?
- Explore how different focus directions (downward, outward, toward a partner) change the emotional quality
2 marksGive two pieces of advice for performing a safe contact lift.
- Both dancers must be fully warmed up before attempting any lift
- Communicate clearly before each attempt — agree on timing and each dancer's role
- Practise progressively, beginning with supported balances before the full lift
- Use core strength, not momentum, to support the lift
- Use a spotter when learning a new lift
📋 Recipe
- 1 mark: brief but specific — names the exercise and indicates what the dancer does.
- 2 marks: detailed — what the dancer does, how, plus duration / repetitions / progression.
- Specific enough that someone else could replicate it from your words alone.
⚠️
Naming alone = 1 mark only."Shoulder rolls" = 1m. "Shoulder rolls starting small and slow for 8 counts, then gradually increasing size for 8 counts to progressively increase range of movement" = 2m.
❌ 1/2 only1m
Relevés on one leg to improve balance.Names a valid exercise [1m] but gives no detail of how to perform it, for how long, or how to progress.
✓ Full marks2m
Standing passé balance — rise onto one supporting leg with the working foot placed at the knee, holding for 4–8 counts. Begin with one hand on the barre, then progress to fully free-standing unsupported holds over successive attempts.Names it [1m] + describes the action, includes progression [1m].
2 marksDescribe one exercise to warm up the shoulders.
[1m] Names a relevant exercise (shoulder rolls, arm circles, cross-body stretch).
[1m] Describes it clearly enough to replicate — duration, repetitions or progression.
Full: 'Shoulder rolls — starting small and slow for 8 counts backwards, then gradually increasing the size for a further 8 counts to progressively increase the range of movement.'
[1m] Describes it clearly enough to replicate — duration, repetitions or progression.
Full: 'Shoulder rolls — starting small and slow for 8 counts backwards, then gradually increasing the size for a further 8 counts to progressively increase the range of movement.'
2 marksDescribe one exercise a dancer could use to improve their balance.
[1m] Names a relevant exercise (passé balance, arabesque balance, relevé hold).
[1m] Describes with sufficient detail — body position, duration or progression.
Full: 'Passé balance — rise onto one supporting leg, working foot at the knee. Begin with hand on barre, progress to fully free-standing holds of 4–8 counts.'
[1m] Describes with sufficient detail — body position, duration or progression.
Full: 'Passé balance — rise onto one supporting leg, working foot at the knee. Begin with hand on barre, progress to fully free-standing holds of 4–8 counts.'
2 marksDescribe one exercise a dancer could do to cool down after a performance.
[1m] Names a relevant cool-down exercise (hamstring stretch, spinal roll-down, standing quad stretch).
[1m] Describes it — position, hold duration, breathing or progression.
Full: 'Seated hamstring stretch — sit with both legs extended, reach forward along the shins toward the feet, hold 15–20 seconds, breathing slowly throughout. Repeat each side.'
[1m] Describes it — position, hold duration, breathing or progression.
Full: 'Seated hamstring stretch — sit with both legs extended, reach forward along the shins toward the feet, hold 15–20 seconds, breathing slowly throughout. Repeat each side.'
2 marksDescribe one exercise to improve stamina.
[1m] Names a relevant exercise (phrase repetition circuit, cardio warm-up, interval training).
[1m] Describes it with repetitions, rest periods or progressive challenge.
Full: 'Phrase circuit — perform the full phrase 3× consecutively with only 30-second rests. Add a 3-minute cardiovascular warm-up (jogging, travelling sequences) at the start of each session to build aerobic base.'
[1m] Describes it with repetitions, rest periods or progressive challenge.
Full: 'Phrase circuit — perform the full phrase 3× consecutively with only 30-second rests. Add a 3-minute cardiovascular warm-up (jogging, travelling sequences) at the start of each session to build aerobic base.'
2 marksDescribe one exercise to improve coordination.
[1m] Names a relevant exercise (layered port de bras, cross-lateral pattern, rhythm clapping).
[1m] Describes what the dancer does, how, including a progression.
Full: 'Layer a port de bras pattern onto a known footwork phrase; begin slowly and increase tempo over 4 repetitions. Then add cross-body patterns (right arm with left leg) for greater challenge.'
[1m] Describes what the dancer does, how, including a progression.
Full: 'Layer a port de bras pattern onto a known footwork phrase; begin slowly and increase tempo over 4 repetitions. Then add cross-body patterns (right arm with left leg) for greater challenge.'
2 marksDescribe one exercise to improve flexibility.
[1m] Names a relevant exercise (developé sequence, active stretch, static hold).
[1m] Describes body position, duration and any progression.
Full: 'Developé sequence — standing on one leg, extend the working leg forward, to the side and to the back, holding each position for 4 counts. Follow with active hamstring stretches held for 15 seconds each.'
[1m] Describes body position, duration and any progression.
Full: 'Developé sequence — standing on one leg, extend the working leg forward, to the side and to the back, holding each position for 4 counts. Follow with active hamstring stretches held for 15 seconds each.'
2 marksDescribe one exercise to improve isolation.
[1m] Names a relevant exercise (body-part sequence, stop-motion drill, rib cage shift).
[1m] Describes what body part moves and how the rest stays still.
Full: 'Body-part sequence — move only the head (all planes: nods, tilts, circles) while keeping the rest of the body completely still. Repeat for shoulders, then chest, rib cage, and hips in turn.'
[1m] Describes what body part moves and how the rest stays still.
Full: 'Body-part sequence — move only the head (all planes: nods, tilts, circles) while keeping the rest of the body completely still. Repeat for shoulders, then chest, rib cage, and hips in turn.'
📌 Revisit This — The Five Recipes
MCQTick ONE box only. More than one = zero, even if one was right.
Define (2m)Both ingredients must be present. Check the ingredient table.
Give two reasonsSpecific physiological or performance effect. Vague = 0.
Give two waysSpecific, actionable method. "Practise more" = 0.
Describe an exerciseName + how + duration or progression = 2 marks.
Cool-down ≠ warm-upInjury prevention = warm-up. Lactic acid, blood pooling = cool-down. See 5.2.3.
📌 Revisit This — The Five Recipes
MCQTick ONE box only. More than one = zero, even if one was right.
Define (2m)Both ingredients must be present. Check the ingredient table.
Give two reasonsSpecific physiological or performance effect. Vague = 0.
Give two waysSpecific, actionable method. "Practise more" = 0.
Describe an exerciseName + how + duration or progression = 2 marks.
Cool-down ≠ warm-upInjury prevention = warm-up. Lactic acid, blood pooling = cool-down. See 5.2.3.
✏️ Question Formats — Test Yourself
10 questions on the recipes, ingredients and common errors · answer all, then Submit
"The ability to start and stop movement" is given as a definition of control. How many marks does this score?
Define — 2 marksA student ticks two boxes on an MCQ question — one correct, one wrong. How many marks?
Multiple choiceWhich category does spatial awareness belong to?
MCQ — category trap"When dancers perform different phrases simultaneously" is given as a definition of counterpoint. How many marks?
Define — 2 marks"Isolation: performing a section of the phrase alone in the corner of the stage." How many marks?
Define — 2 marks"Stamina: ability to maintain physical energy over periods of time." How many marks?
Define — 1 markThe two ingredients for a 2-mark definition of 'expressive skills' are 'performance artistry' and what?
Define — 2 marksWhy does 'it makes your dancing better' score 0 on a 'give two reasons why' question?
Give two reasons"The use of time or counts" — which ingredient is missing from this definition of timing?
Define — 2 marksWhich of these is a correct reason for cooling down after a performance?
Give two reasons📸Screenshot your score and paste into your ePortfolio.