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Famous Dance Forms From Around The World
Singing and dancing is an essential part of many cultures around the world and has been so for centuries. Worldwide, various dance forms have evolved over the years and some have crossed their regional boundaries and gained admirers globally. Here we present some of the most famous dance styles in the world.
Ballet, Russia
No dance form can approach gracefulness as closely as the Russian ballet. It is an artistic dance form that is performed to music. The steps of Russian ballet demand high levels of precision and formality. The classical ballet dance form which originated in Renaissance Italy was introduced to Russia during the rule of Peter the Great and since then became an integral part of Russian society.
Flamenco, Spain
Flamenco is a globally famous dance form that originated in Spain. The dance is accompanied by guitar playing, singing, finger snapping, and handclapping. Flamenco is closely linked to the Romani people in Spain, and its style is distinctly Andalusian. The art form is currently taught in many countries worldwide but is most popular in the US and Japan. In the latter country, Flamenco schools outnumber those in Spain.
Tango
Argentina
Tango is a partner dance that is associated with style and expressiveness. In the 1880's, the dance form originated along the River Plate which is the natural border between Uruguay and Argentina. Many different styles of tango exist today and international tango dancing competitions are held each year signifying the popularity of this dance.
Samba, Brazil
Samba is synonymous（同义的）with the famous Carnival of Brazil. It is a Brazilian dance style and music genre with roots in Africa and arrived in Latin America via the African slaves who arrived in Latin America with their European masters. Samba is associated with rhythm and brightly colored costumes and is considered as an integral part of the Brazilian culture.
1. Which dance form is believed to be the most graceful?
A. Tango. B. Ballet.
C. Samba. D. Flamenco
2. What is the main feature of Tango?
A. High levels of precision and formality.
B. Being accompanied by finger snapping and hand clapping.
C. Rhythm and brightly colored costumes.
D. Style and expressiveness.
3. Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A. Ballet originated in Russia during the rule of Peter the Great.
B. Spain has more Flamenco schools than Japan.
C. Samba was brought to Brazil by European masters
D. All the four forms of dance mentioned did not originate in their own countries
【答案】1. B 2. D 3. D
【解析】
本文是一篇说明文，介绍芭蕾、弗拉明戈、探戈和桑巴这四种世界著名的舞蹈形式。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据第二段中“No dance form can approach gracefulness as closely as the Russian ballet.（ 没有哪一种舞蹈形式像俄罗斯芭蕾那样优雅。）”可知，作者认为芭蕾是最优雅的舞蹈形式。故选B项。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据第四段中“Tango is a partner dance that is associated with style and expressiveness. ”可知，探戈这种舞蹈形式的特点是风格独特，并且表达力强。故选D项。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据第五段中“It is a Brazilian dance style and music genre with roots in Africa and arrived in Latin America via the African slaves who arrived in Latin America with their European masters.（ 这是一种巴西风格舞蹈和音乐流派，起源于非洲，是通过和欧洲的主人一起到达拉丁美洲的非洲奴隶传到拉丁美洲的。）”可知，桑巴舞虽然是巴西风格的舞蹈，但是起源于非洲。文中介绍的四种舞蹈形式并不都是起源于它们自己的国家。故选D项。
