Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – The Performing Arts: Dance & Movement 5

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four adults sharing the joy and lack of self-consciousness they discovered by taking up Salsa dancing later in life.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   was persuaded to attend their first session by someone they knew?

2   appreciates the realisation that being flawed is completely acceptable?

3   sought out a new pastime to cope with a quieter household?

4   learned that analyzing their movements too closely was actually counterproductive?

5   admits that an upfront payment prevented them from abandoning the activity?

6   was relieved to discover that other participants were not scrutinising their performance?

7   was amazed by their body’s ability to instinctively recall complex sequences?

8   initially doubted their capacity to keep up with the physical demands?

9   underwent a complete reversal in their attitude towards taking part?

10   found that the activity served as a refreshing contrast to the demands of their profession?

Stepping to the Beat: Finding Freedom in Salsa

A Mark

In my corporate job, precision is absolutely everything. A single miscalculation can cost the company dearly, so I spend my days ensuring absolute perfection. Consequently, when I first stepped into a salsa studio, I was terrified of making a fool of myself. I took it for granted that everyone would laugh at my clumsy footwork. If I hadn’t promised my wife I’d try something new, I would have walked straight back out. However, I soon realised that salsa is the exact opposite of my working life; it actively thrives on spontaneity. Stepping on your partner’s toes or missing a beat isn’t a disaster—it’s just part of the learning curve. Embracing this lack of control has been incredibly liberating. Now, I actually laugh out loud when I mess up a turn. It’s a profound relief to finally participate in an environment where imperfect execution is not just tolerated, but completely embraced as part of the fun.

B Sarah

After my youngest daughter finally flew the nest to attend university, the house felt overwhelmingly silent. I desperately needed to fill the emotional void she left behind, which is why I eventually signed up for a beginner’s salsa course. Initially, it was incredibly daunting. I was completely convinced that the younger, more athletic dancers must be judging my stiff, uncoordinated movements. I spent the first few weeks blushing with embarrassment, assuming I stuck out like a sore thumb. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. I soon noticed that the other attendees were so utterly absorbed in mastering their own complex routines that they weren’t paying the slightest bit of attention to me. That realisation was a massive turning point. Once I stopped worrying about the onlookers, my self-consciousness simply evaporated. I’ve bounced back from a rather lonely period and formed wonderful friendships with people from all walks of life.

C David

At sixty years old, I genuinely believed my dancing days were well and truly behind me. I’d been warned by my doctor that I needed more cardiovascular exercise, but I initially questioned whether I possessed the stamina required for such a fast-paced, energetic activity. During the first month, I was terribly rigid. I would stare fixedly at my feet, desperately trying to memorise the intricate sequences of steps. However, my instructor gently advised me that scrutinising every single pivot was actually holding me back. She insisted that the rhythm of salsa must be felt, not mathematically calculated. To my absolute astonishment, she was entirely right. Once I stopped overanalysing the music, a sort of muscle memory kicked in. My body instinctively knew where to move without any conscious effort on my part. I was genuinely amazed that I could physically recall the choreography so effortlessly, providing a brilliant mental and physical workout.

D Elena

If it had been entirely up to me, I would never have set foot inside a salsa club. I was physically dragged to the introductory class by a persistent colleague who absolutely refused to take no for an answer. Throughout that first evening, I felt utterly ridiculous and was secretly plotting my escape. I had every intention of quitting immediately, but I had foolishly paid for a comprehensive ten-week package in advance. Not wanting to see my hard-earned cash go down the drain, I stubbornly forced myself to attend the subsequent sessions. It turned out to be a brilliant blessing in disguise. Around the fourth week, everything suddenly clicked, and the initial awkwardness was entirely replaced by pure exhilaration. The transformation has been night and day. I went from being a reluctant wallflower who dreaded the dance floor to someone who absolutely lives for the weekend socials, and I’m now the one dragging others along!

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four dancers talking about the harsh reality of short career spans in professional dance and their anxieties about the future.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   admits to having ignored the necessity of a backup plan during their younger years?

2   points out that performers frequently refuse to accept how fragile their physical longevity is?

3   is currently experiencing the most highly acclaimed and successful period of their working life?

4   plans to remain professionally involved in teaching others how to perform?

5   expresses unease regarding an impending reduction in their regular earnings?

6   intends to obtain a formal educational qualification to act as a safety net?

7   is taking on a role that focuses on the commercial and logistical aspects of the performing arts?

8   suffers from the psychological burden of knowing their time in the spotlight is temporary?

9   requires significantly more time to recuperate from the physical exertion of a show than they used to?

10   experienced a sudden, unexpected medical issue that forced them to rethink their future?

Facing the Final Curtain: Dancers on the Future

A Leo

I’ve been dancing professionally for over fifteen years, and honestly, the physical toll is becoming impossible to ignore. A decade ago, I could dance for eight hours and feel completely fine the next morning. Nowadays, it takes me a full weekend to bounce back from a demanding performance. I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that my time on stage is drawing to a close. I have no intention of leaving the studio entirely, though; I’m determined to pass on my expertise by becoming a full-time choreographer and instructor. While I’m thrilled about staying in the rehearsal room, the transition is undoubtedly terrifying. I’m giving up a stable company salary, and I am highly anxious about how I’ll cope with the inevitable drop in my monthly income. Some of my peers are moving into arts administration, but sitting behind a desk simply wouldn’t suit me. I need to be on my feet, even if I’m no longer the one under the bright lights.

B Maya

When you are in your early twenties, you naturally take your physical fitness for granted. In the dance community, there is a widespread tendency to turn a blind eye to the reality that our careers have a strict expiration date. Everyone firmly believes they will be the exception to the rule. I certainly did, right up until I tore a knee ligament during a routine rehearsal two years ago. That sudden catastrophe was a massive wake-up call, completely shattering my illusions. Although the rehabilitation was successful and I am back on stage, I know I am living on borrowed time. Consequently, I’ve decided to enroll in a university degree in sports science, studying part-time. I want a concrete academic credential to fall back on when my body eventually says ‘no more’. I considered teaching, but I really want a complete change of pace. It is daunting, but having a solid plan has drastically reduced my anxiety about what lies ahead.

C Sam

Right now, I am undeniably at the absolute pinnacle of my career. I’m landing lead roles and touring internationally, which is everything I ever dreamed of as a young child. Yet, ironically, this is also the most stressful period of my life. The mental strain of knowing that this peak is merely temporary is a constant dark cloud hanging over me. I am hyper-aware that one awkward landing or twisted ankle could instantly bring it all to a grinding halt. To counteract this intense psychological pressure, I’ve become incredibly strict about my finances. Rather than spending my earnings on luxuries, I put a huge percentage into a savings account to create a safety net for my eventual retirement. I’ve even started looking into online business courses, just in case I need to switch careers rapidly. I haven’t settled on a specific new path yet, but actively building up my savings helps me sleep a little better at night.

D Chloe

Stepping away from professional dance was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. My body just couldn’t keep up with the grueling rehearsal schedules anymore. Looking back, my biggest regret is that I completely dismissed the need for a secondary career option during my early twenties. I foolishly believed I would be performing forever, and I desperately wish I had used that time to explore other interests. Now, at thirty, I am basically starting from scratch. Fortunately, I recently secured an entry-level position at a local theatre company, focusing on event management and public relations. Transitioning into the corporate side of the arts has been a steep learning curve, but it’s fascinating to see how productions are put together behind the scenes. Although I miss the adrenaline rush of performing, getting involved in the organizational side of the industry has given me a fresh sense of purpose. It’s a desk job, but it keeps me connected to the world I love.

Exercises:   123456