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MTEL Dance Test Answer Key

1. D: From the study of cave drawings, it is clear people have always danced. Dance was used to pass down tribal traditions, appease the gods and entertain people. Folk and ethnic dances helped illustrate important beliefs and preserve significant historical events. The gestures used by Medicine Men and other shamans during religious rites offered solace and comfort in good times and bad.  

2. A: The French word literally means “dance-writing.” A choreographer interprets the message in the music through movement. He plots every step for each dancer and structures the movements to tell a story, enhance the message or signal a change in momentum.  

3. B: Scenic design, stage design, set design and production design mean the same thing: the physical appearance of the stage. It is how the space is used, divided and decorated. It is a combination of the props, furniture, shapes, colors and placement of the actors.

4. C: Researchers apply engineering principles to human biological systems and analyze the results. They study tissues, muscles, joints and how they affect human movement. These studies are done on all levels from molecules and cells to tissues and organs.  

5. D: A motor skill is any activity that requires directed movement of skeletal muscles. These skills rely on the brain, skeleton, joints and nervous system working together to accomplish a task. They develop with the ability to consciously coordinate the movement of arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet and toes.