Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – The Performing Arts: Dance & Movement 6

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four young professionals describing how attending a weekly Zumba or aerobics class is their favorite way to de-stress.

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

Which person/section

1   mentions that a different type of relaxation technique was ineffective for them?

2   explains that the instructor’s positive attitude is a key factor in their enjoyment?

3   appreciates interacting with co-workers in a less serious setting?

4   stopped worrying about looking foolish in front of others?

5   points out the contrast between their logical day job and the unthinking nature of the class?

6   initially doubted whether they had enough physical energy to attend the classes?

7   claims that the choice of soundtrack plays a major role in altering their emotional state?

8   relishes the opportunity to step away from a solitary working environment?

9   feels that physical exhaustion helps to eliminate psychological tension?

10   explicitly schedules the class as an unmissable part of their weekly routine?

Dancing the Stress Away: Professionals Find Relief in Aerobics

A Mia – Graphic Designer

As a freelance graphic designer, I spend the vast majority of my week isolated behind a screen. While I wouldn’t trade my career for anything, the solitary nature of the job can occasionally take its toll. That’s precisely why I started attending a high-intensity Zumba class every Thursday evening. It offers a much-needed contrast to my quiet home office. Initially, I felt incredibly self-conscious; I’ve always been rather uncoordinated, and I was convinced that everyone was staring at my awkward footwork. However, I soon came to terms with the fact that absolutely no one is judging you. Everyone is simply there to have a good time and let their hair down. If I hadn’t pushed past that initial embarrassment, I would have missed out on a fantastic way to unwind. Immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the studio is the perfect antidote to my desk-bound lifestyle.

B David – Financial Analyst

My day job as a financial analyst revolves entirely around spreadsheets, strict logic, and meticulous problem-solving. By the time Friday afternoon arrives, my brain is usually completely fried. Some of my colleagues had been raving about a local aerobics class, and they eventually talked me into joining them. I must admit, the idea of jumping around to music didn’t immediately appeal to me, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. The beauty of aerobics is that it requires absolutely no complex thought. You just follow the movements, which gives my highly analytical mind a well-deserved break. Moreover, it’s genuinely refreshing to see the people I work with, who are normally so serious in the boardroom, laughing and messing up the routines alongside me. We often go for a quick coffee afterwards, and having that shared experience outside the confines of the office has definitely brought us closer together.

C Chloe – Corporate Lawyer

Working in corporate law involves dealing with demanding clients and navigating incredibly tense negotiations. When I finish a long shift, my instinct is usually to just crash on the sofa. In fact, when my sister first suggested I try Zumba with her, I argued that I was simply too drained to even consider a workout. I dragged myself to that first session reluctantly, but the transformation was instantaneous. The sheer volume of the upbeat Latin music completely drowns out the lingering stress of the courtroom. The vibrant rhythms force you to focus on the beat rather than your endless to-do list. I can honestly say that I’ve bounced back from some of my toughest days thanks to that class. Now, it has become a non-negotiable appointment in my diary. No matter how many urgent emails I receive, my phone is switched off for that one hour, ensuring I protect my mental wellbeing.

D Sam – HR Coordinator

Dealing with employee conflicts and managing endless complaints can leave me feeling emotionally depleted. A few years ago, I was advised to try yoga to manage my stress levels, but sitting still in a quiet room only made my racing thoughts louder. I quickly realized that slow, mindful breathing just wasn’t my cup of tea. What I actually needed was an intense physical outlet. Aerobics provides exactly that. The class I attend is incredibly fast-paced, and by the time we finish, I am completely drenched in sweat. Curiously, replacing my mental fatigue with genuine physical exhaustion works wonders for my stress levels; I sleep like a log afterwards! I also have to give credit to our instructor, whose infectious energy makes the grueling workout feel like a party. Even if I arrive at the gym feeling miserable, her enthusiastic shouting and encouragement guarantee that I leave with a massive smile on my face.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four teenagers reflecting on the rigorous diet and body image pressures prevalent in the competitive dance industry.

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 previously viewing meals as a threat rather than a necessary source of energy?

2   points out the negative psychological impact of the rehearsal environment’s layout?

3   expresses frustration about a gender-related misconception regarding body image?

4   highlights the anxiety caused by the need to fit into specific performance garments?

5   actively sought out a specialist to help them develop a more sustainable lifestyle?

6   acknowledges the role of digital networking applications in worsening their self-esteem?

7   regrets keeping their unhealthy routines a secret from their loved ones?

8   believes that the people in charge are largely responsible for perpetuating toxic ideals?

9   mentions that a sudden physical collapse forced them to re-evaluate their habits?

10   notes that adopting a healthier mindset has surprisingly improved their artistic expression?

The Hidden Cost of Perfection: Body Image in Competitive Dance

A Chloe, 17

Growing up in the competitive ballet world, I quickly learned that perfectionism is a double-edged sword. For years, my instructors praised my technique, but my focus was entirely on my reflection. Spending six hours a day in a studio lined entirely with mirrors took a severe psychological toll. I found myself obsessing over every perceived flaw, constantly comparing my silhouette to the other girls rather than focusing on my technique. It was a toxic cycle, fueled occasionally by the flawless photos I saw online, though the glass walls of the workspace were my primary enemy. Eventually, my energy levels plummeted. Rather than quitting, I decided to take control and reached out to a registered sports dietician. She helped me create a balanced meal plan that nourished my body instead of depriving it. Surprisingly, coming to terms with a healthier physique hasn’t ruined my dancing; in fact, having the stamina to fully commit to my movements has vastly improved my emotional and artistic delivery on stage.

B Liam, 16

There is a widely accepted myth in the contemporary dance scene that body image pressures exclusively affect girls. As a male dancer, I find this misconception incredibly frustrating. We are expected to look highly athletic and muscular, yet remain exceptionally lean to execute effortless lifts. I used to spend hours scrutinizing my physique in the studio mirrors, but the real damage was done during my commute home when I would endlessly scroll through social media. Seeing fitness influencers and professional dancers displaying their impossibly chiseled bodies on these digital platforms completely shattered my self-esteem. I resorted to extreme protein diets and grueling late-night gym sessions on top of my dance rehearsals, desperately trying to achieve an unrealistic standard. Even when trying on our stage outfits, I would panic if a shirt felt too tight across the chest. It took a long time to realise that the digital world is heavily filtered, and true strength comes from resilience, not just visible muscles.

C Mia, 18

As a commercial jazz dancer, the pressure to maintain a certain aesthetic is immense. For a long time, I was caught in a dangerous trap where I viewed food strictly as an enemy that would ruin my chances of getting cast in major routines. I would skip breakfasts and pick at tiny salads, convinced that losing weight was the only path to success. The hardest part to look back on is how well I hid this from my parents; I deeply regret keeping them in the dark while they praised my dedication. The breaking point occurred during a gruelling technical rehearsal. My body simply gave up, and I collapsed in the middle of a complex leap, ending up with a severely sprained ankle. That terrifying physical breakdown was a massive wake-up call. During my recovery, I read up on sports nutrition and gradually understood that I had to start treating food as vital fuel. Without it, my body literally couldn’t sustain the rigorous demands of the industry.

D Sofia, 17

I’ve been competing in lyrical dance since I was eight, and I can confidently say that the environment is often heavily shaped by the adults in the room. In my experience, it is the choreographers and directors who are primarily to blame for pushing unrealistic aesthetic standards. I vividly remember one coach telling me I needed to ‘lengthen my lines’, which was thinly veiled code for losing weight. The most stressful time of the year was always costume fitting. The sheer anxiety of squeezing into pre-ordered, tiny performance garments used to keep me awake at night. If a zip wouldn’t close, the humiliation was unbearable. Some of my peers even fainted from exhaustion trying to slim down before opening night. Eventually, I took a stand and switched to a different academy. My new teachers prioritize strength and emotional delivery over clothing sizes. It is incredibly refreshing to be in a space where the focus is on the art of movement rather than conforming to an outdated, damaging stereotype.

Exercises:   123456