Scenes

http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/23392877/

The stage is similar to the sprites because they both have the option to change how they move in their individual scripts. Although the stage can't "glide", etc., it has block options to wait a few seconds and then switch to a new backdrop.

In a scene, you can initialize sprites by having them move "when sprite clicked" or "when green flag clicked" or "when backdrop changes to..."

Beyond animations, you could use scene changes in plays, films, and projects that require presentation. Changing the scene switches up the project, and makes it more exciting.