Kenyan Folk Dance
17 Grade 8 Creative Arts & Sports questions on Kenyan Folk Dance, with worked marking schemes. 17 questions are available on this topic in full.
Question 1
1 markDuring a cultural day, a community performs a Kenyan folk dance accompanied by drums and singing. Which of the following is a typical feature of a Kenyan folk dance?
A. It is performed silently with no music
B. It is accompanied by traditional instruments and reflects a community's culture
C. It uses written scores read by each dancer
D. It is performed only by individuals, never in groups
(1 mark)
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3 marksA learner is asked to observe safety while performing an energetic folk dance. State three precautions the group should take to perform safely.
(3 marks)
Marking scheme
Any three, 1 mark each: warm up before dancing to avoid strain/injury; clear the performance space of obstacles; wear appropriate/secure costumes and footwear; stay hydrated and avoid overexertion; maintain safe spacing so dancers do not collide; handle props (spears, sticks) carefully.
Question 3
1 markWhich of the following is a costume or decoration item commonly worn to enhance a Kenyan folk dance performance?
A. Laboratory coat
B. Beaded ornaments and animal-skin attire
C. Football boots
D. School uniform
(1 mark)
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1 markThe Isukuti dance takes its name from the:
A. Village where it began
B. Season of harvest
C. Drum used to accompany it
D. Leader of the dance
(1 mark)
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1 markThe 'Mugithi' style, often danced in a single line with dancers holding onto the person ahead like a moving train, originates from which community?
A. The Turkana
B. The Samburu
C. The Giriama
D. The Kikuyu
(1 mark)
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1 markDuring a folk dance, a soloist sings a line and the group answers back with a response. This singing style is called:
A. Rap
B. Call-and-response
C. Unison humming
D. Solo recital
(1 mark)
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6 marksA cultural festival is being organised in Nairobi, and Kamau's group will perform a Kenyan folk dance from their community.
(a) Identify THREE features that are characteristic of Kenyan folk dances. (3 marks)
(b) Explain TWO functions that folk dances serve in traditional African communities. (4 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any THREE features (1 mark each): - They are performed by a group/community rather than individuals (communal). - Accompanied by music, singing, drumming and other instruments. - Dancers wear traditional costumes and ornaments/regalia. - Use of body movements, formations and props. - Performed for a specific occasion or purpose (functional). - Learned and passed down by imitation/orally from one generation to another. - They are repetitive and have a steady rhythm. (b) Any TWO functions (2 marks each): - Used in ceremonies and rituals such as weddings, initiation, birth and harvest celebrations to mark important occasions. - Used for entertainment and recreation during festivals and social gatherings. - Used to pass on cultural values, history and customs to the younger generation (education). - Promote unity, cooperation and a sense of belonging within the community. - Used to communicate messages, emotions or to welcome guests.
Question 8
1 markWhen dancers arrange themselves in a circle, a line or two facing rows during a performance, this arrangement is called the:
A. Tempo
B. Dynamics
C. Lyrics
D. Formation
(1 mark)
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1 markThe 'Isukuti' folk dance, accompanied by energetic drumming, is traditionally performed by which Kenyan community?
A. The Mijikenda
B. The Kalenjin
C. The Maasai
D. The Luhya
(1 mark)
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3 marksUsing the Isukuti dance as an example, (a) name the community that performs it, and (b) state two features (instruments, movements or costume) that make it distinctive.
(3 marks)
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1 markWhich of these is a social function of Kenyan folk dances in the community?
A. Marking occasions such as weddings and initiations
B. Teaching mathematics
C. Recording weather data
D. Building permanent houses
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 12
6 marksYour class has been chosen to perform a Kenyan folk dance at the county music and dance festival. The teacher explains the features that make a folk dance authentic.
(a) State THREE features (characteristics) of a Kenyan folk dance. (3 marks)
(b) Give THREE reasons why folk dances are performed in the community. (3 marks)
(6 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any THREE features, for example: - It is performed by a particular community and reflects that community's culture/identity. - It is accompanied by traditional music, songs and instruments (such as drums). - Dancers wear traditional costumes, ornaments and body decorations. - It involves specific body movements and formations that are passed down generations. - It is performed as a group and often tells a story or marks an occasion. (b) Any THREE reasons, for example: - To celebrate occasions such as weddings, births, initiation or harvest. - For entertainment and recreation. - To pass on cultural values, history and traditions. - For religious or ritual purposes. - To promote unity and togetherness in the community. - During initiation ceremonies to teach the young. (1 mark for each correct point in each part.)
Question 13
1 markA cultural group performs a Kenyan folk dance at a school festival. Which of the following is a typical feature of traditional Kenyan folk dances?
A. They are performed silently without any accompaniment
B. They are accompanied by drumming, singing and use of body adornment
C. They use only written orchestral scores
D. They are always performed by a single dancer
(1 mark)
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1 markIn a Kenyan folk dance performance, the drum, shakers and horns provide the:
A. Costume
B. Formation
C. Facial make-up
D. Accompaniment (instrumentation)
(1 mark)
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Create a free account to see itQuestion 15
4 marksA cultural group is preparing to present a Kenyan folk dance at a music festival.
(a) Name any two elements that make up a complete folk dance performance.
(b) Explain one function of folk dances in Kenyan communities.
(4 marks)
Marking scheme
(a) Any two, 1 mark each: dance movements/steps, formation, costume/attire and ornaments, instrumentation/accompaniment (drums, shakers, horns), props, facial expression, song/lyrics. (b) 2 marks: any explained function, e.g. celebrating occasions (weddings, births, initiation), entertainment, passing on cultural values/history, fostering unity and identity.
Question 16
1 markThe 'adumu', the well-known jumping dance where warriors leap high while standing in a group, is associated with which community?
A. The Maasai
B. The Kamba
C. The Kikuyu
D. The Luo
(1 mark)
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4 marksExplain the term 'formation' in a folk dance and describe two different formations dancers can use during a performance.
(4 marks)
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