Which animation style, exemplified by the characters in "The Skeleton Dance," employs exaggerated movements and flexible lines?

The correct answer, rubber hose animation, is characterized by its use of exaggerated movements and flexible line work, which creates a sense of fluidity and expressiveness in the characters. This style emerged during the early days of animation, particularly in the 1920s, with the iconic short "The Skeleton Dance" being a notable example.

Rubber hose animation features characters with simplified, bendable limbs resembling rubber hoses, allowing for dynamic and comical movements. This approach was heavily influenced by slapstick comedy, which relied on physical humor and visual exaggeration. The elasticity in the characters' movements contributes to the playful and whimsical nature of the animation during that era.

In contrast, the other styles listed have distinct characteristics. Balloon animation, for example, is known for its round, balloon-like shapes but does not necessarily emphasize the extreme flexibility that rubber hose animation does. Character animation focuses more on the personality and development of a character rather than the exaggerated movement style. Flat design animation typically refers to a modern aesthetic that emphasizes minimalism and simplicity, rather than the exaggerated and dynamic qualities found in rubber hose animation.