Kenyan Folk Dance

22 Grade 6 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Kenyan Folk Dance, with worked marking schemes. 22 questions are available on this topic in full.

  1. Question 1

    1 mark

    The Isukuti dance, accompanied by drumming, is a traditional folk dance of which Kenyan community?

    A. Kikuyu

    B. Giriama

    C. Maasai

    D. Luhya

    (1 mark)

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  2. Question 2

    4 marks

    Name any two Kenyan communities and one traditional folk dance associated with each.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any two correct pairings (2 marks each): Luhya – Isukuti; Maasai – Adumu; Luo – Ohangla/Dodo; Kamba – Kilumi/Mbeni; Kikuyu – Mucung'wa; Kisii – various Gusii dances; Giriama/Mijikenda – Sengenya. Award 1 mark for community and 1 mark for correct dance, max 4.

  3. Question 3

    1 mark

    Kenyan folk dances are often performed during community events. Which of the following is such an occasion?

    A. A mathematics lesson

    B. A football match scoreboard

    C. A silent reading period

    D. A wedding ceremony

    (1 mark)

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  4. Question 4

    1 mark

    Small seed pods or bells tied around a dancer's ankles to make sound as they move are examples of

    A. Whistles

    B. Flutes

    C. Rattles/leg jingles

    D. Drums

    (1 mark)

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  5. Question 5

    1 mark

    In a folk dance, when a lead singer sings a line and the rest of the dancers answer, the second group of singers is called the

    A. Chorus/response

    B. Conductor

    C. Soloist

    D. Audience

    (1 mark)

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  6. Question 6

    1 mark

    The song sung by dancers while performing a folk dance, often led by a soloist with the group responding, uses a style called

    A. Solo only

    B. Call and response

    C. Silent miming

    D. Reading aloud

    (1 mark)

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  7. Question 7

    1 mark

    The rapid, energetic shoulder-shaking movement seen in the Luhya Isukuti dance is an example of a dance

    A. Instrument

    B. Costume

    C. Movement/style

    D. Formation

    (1 mark)

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  8. Question 8

    4 marks

    During a folk dance performance, dancers use props.

    (a) Define a 'prop'.

    (b) Give two examples of props used in Kenyan folk dances.

    (4 marks)

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  9. Question 9

    1 mark

    The Adumu, a jumping dance performed by young warriors, is associated with which Kenyan community?

    A. Kamba

    B. Luo

    C. Kisii

    D. Maasai

    (1 mark)

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  10. Question 10

    1 mark

    In many Kenyan folk dances, the main instrument used to keep the rhythm and lead the dancers is the

    A. Piano

    B. Drum

    C. Guitar

    D. Trumpet

    (1 mark)

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  11. Question 11

    1 mark

    A folk dance performed by a particular Kenyan community that has been passed down over many generations is best described as a

    A. Ballet

    B. Traditional dance

    C. Modern dance

    D. Contemporary dance

    (1 mark)

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  12. Question 12

    1 mark

    The Ohangla dance, accompanied by fast drumming, is popular among which Kenyan community?

    A. Luo

    B. Maasai

    C. Luhya

    D. Turkana

    (1 mark)

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  13. Question 13

    1 mark

    When folk dancers arrange themselves in a circle, a line or two rows, this arrangement is called a

    A. Rhythm

    B. Formation

    C. Costume

    D. Chant

    (1 mark)

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  14. Question 14

    3 marks

    Give three occasions in the community when Kenyan folk dances may be performed.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any three of: weddings/marriage ceremonies, initiation/circumcision ceremonies, harvest celebrations, birth of a child/naming ceremonies, cultural festivals, welcoming important guests, national/community celebrations, funerals or memorials (1 mark each, max 3).

  15. Question 15

    4 marks

    Explain the meaning of the term 'costume' in folk dance and give two examples of costumes used in Kenyan folk dances.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Costume = the special clothes/decorations/attire worn by dancers during a performance to suit the dance and community (2 marks). Two examples (1 mark each, max 2): beaded necklaces, animal skins, headgear/head dress, sisal skirts, beaded belts, ankle rattles, face/body paint. Total 4 marks.

  16. Question 16

    1 mark

    A hand-held object such as a shield, spear or fly-whisk that a dancer carries to add meaning to a folk dance is called a

    A. Costume

    B. Formation

    C. Prop

    D. Beat

    (1 mark)

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  17. Question 17

    1 mark

    Which of the following is NOT a musical instrument commonly used in Kenyan folk dances?

    A. Drum

    B. Piano

    C. Horn

    D. Rattle

    (1 mark)

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  18. Question 18

    4 marks

    A group of learners is preparing a folk dance. Explain the role of the drum and one other instrument in the performance.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Drum: keeps/leads the rhythm and beat, guides the dancers' movements and signals changes (2 marks). One other instrument with role (2 marks), e.g. rattles/leg jingles add sound to footwork and mark the beat; horn/whistle signals a change; shakers add rhythm; flute adds melody. Total 4 marks.

  19. Question 19

    4 marks

    Describe what is meant by 'formation' in a folk dance and give two examples of formations dancers can make.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Formation = the way/pattern in which dancers arrange or position themselves in the performance space (2 marks). Two examples (1 mark each, max 2): circle, straight line/row, two lines facing each other, semicircle, V-shape, scattered/free formation. Total 4 marks.

  20. Question 20

    4 marks

    Explain why it is important for Grade 6 learners to learn and perform Kenyan folk dances. Give two reasons.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any two, well explained (2 marks each): preserves and passes on culture/tradition to the next generation (2), builds pride in and knowledge of one's identity/heritage (2), promotes unity and appreciation of Kenya's diverse communities (2), develops physical fitness/coordination and creativity (2), provides enjoyment and entertainment (2). Max 4 marks.

  21. Question 21

    1 mark

    Colourful beaded necklaces, headgear and animal skins worn during a folk dance are known as

    A. Instruments

    B. Costumes

    C. Formations

    D. Props

    (1 mark)

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  22. Question 22

    1 mark

    Which of the following best explains why folk dances are important to a community?

    A. They replace formal schooling

    B. They are only for competitions abroad

    C. They have no meaning today

    D. They preserve and pass on culture and identity

    (1 mark)

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