Dance Movement Concepts

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Questions and Answers

The configuration of body parts is referred to as ______.

bodily shapes

Movements that are smooth, continuous, and controlled represent the ______ quality of dance energy.

sustained

The energy that is explosive or sharp, in contrast to sustained movements, is known as ______.

percussive

Movements that consist of trembling or shaking are categorized as ______.

vibratory Signup and view all the answers

In dance timing, movements can be executed in varying ______.

tempo Signup and view all the answers

The quality of dance energy that becomes relaxed and follows an arc in space is called ______.

swinging Signup and view all the answers

Movements that are perched in space, like holding a raised leg, are examples of ______ movements.

suspended Signup and view all the answers

The use of varied dance ______ helps to minimize monotony in performances.

energies Signup and view all the answers

The quality of movement that refers to the energy and force used in dance is called ______.

quality of dance energies Signup and view all the answers

The physical forms created by dancers during a performance are known as ______.

bodily shapes Signup and view all the answers

The way a dancer occupies the performance area is referred to as dance ______.

space Signup and view all the answers

The rhythm and pace at which movements are executed in dance is called ______.

timing Signup and view all the answers

When two or more dancers perform contrasting movements simultaneously, it is described as ______.

contrapuntal Signup and view all the answers

A dance that is characterized by a clear beginning, middle, and end is considered ______.

episodic Signup and view all the answers

An essential element of dance that dictates the speed of movements is called ______.

timing Signup and view all the answers

The dynamic quality of a dance that reflects the amount of tension or relaxation in movements is part of the ______.

qualities of dance energies Signup and view all the answers

One of the elements of dance is ______, which refers to the configurations created by the human body during movement.

Bodily Shapes Signup and view all the answers

The qualities of dance energies can include ______, which captures the intensity and mood of the performance.

Dynamics Signup and view all the answers

______ in dance refers to the level of force or effort applied to movements, impacting the overall energy.

Dance Energies Signup and view all the answers

The area occupied by dance performers and their movements is referred to as ______.

Dance Space Signup and view all the answers

______ is an important element in dance that relates to the duration and rhythm of the movements.

Dance Timing Signup and view all the answers

In dance, the interaction of ______ allows for creative expression through the shapes formed by dancers together.

Group Shapes Signup and view all the answers

An element of dance, ______ can be identified by how dancers use their bodies in relation to each other and the performance space.

Spatial Elements Signup and view all the answers

______ refers to how dancers vary the speed and flow of their movements to create distinct effects in their performance.

Tempo Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Space

Performers can move forward, backward, diagonally, circularly, etc.
Size of movements can vary based on smaller or larger actions.
Movements can be done in a high, medium, and low level.
Performers can focus their attention by looking in different directions.

Time

Movements in dance can be executed at varying tempos (speeds).
Performers move within the tempo of an underlying sound known as a beat or pulse.

Dance Energies

Movements are propelled and initiated by energy or force.
Many different types of energies are used in dance.

Sustained

Movements are smooth, continuous, and flow with control.
There is no clear beginning or end.

Percussive

Movements are explosive or sharp.
They are accented with a thrust of energy.
They have a clear beginning and ending.

Vibratory

Movements consist of trembling or shaking.
They are a faster version of percussive movements that can produce a jittery effect.

Swinging

Movements trace a curved line or an arc in space.
Movements are relaxed with downward motion, followed by an upward application of energy.

Suspended

Movements are perched in space, appearing to hang in the air.
Holding a raised leg in any direction is an example of a suspended movement.

Collapsing

Movements involve releasing tension and gradually or abruptly giving in to gravity.
A slow collapse can be described as a melting or oozing action in a downward direction.

Bodily Shapes

This refers to how the entire body is positioned in space or the configuration of body parts.
Shapes can be abstract or meaningful but must contain certain qualities to make the choreography effective.

Characteristics of a Good Dance

Unity
Continuity and Development
Variety and Contrast
Transition
Repetition
Climax

Unity

The interconnected phrases of the dance are coherent and flow smoothly.
The movements fit together with each one playing a role that contributes to the whole dance.

Continuity and Development

The structure of the dance is organized progressively, making each movement phrase move naturally into the next.
There is a continuous development of the movement phrases, ensuring that the audience is engaged until the end.

Variety and Contrast

Variety and contrast in movement phrases make the dance more interesting and engaging.
Changing the direction, use of energy, and timing of movement helps to avoid repetition and maintain the attention of the audience.

Transition

This is the link between movements, phrases, and sections of the dance.
It makes the dance flow smoothly by creating a logical progression.
This is important for ensuring unity of the dance.

Repetition

Certain phrases may be repeated in choreography so that the audience can see and understand those movements again.
Repeated phrases and sections usually represent the main message of the dance.

Climax

This is where the apex of energy in the dance is reached.
Similar to the climax in a story, it is the culmination of a series of events.
The climax can be a fast, energetic burst of action or a more gradual and subdued ending.
Music helps both the choreographer and audience to understand this important moment of development.

Choreographic Forms in Dance

Sequential
Contrapuntal
Episodic
Nature and Brief History of Dance
Benefits of Dance
Elements and Characteristics of Dance
How to Appreciate and Evaluate a Dance Performance

What is Dance?

At its core, dance is an art, the art of body movement.

Nature of Dance

It differentiates itself from athletics and other daily activities by its focus on aesthetics and entertainment.
People dance for various reasons:
- To please the gods
- To please others
- To please themselves or express themselves
- To build a sense of community

Brief History of Dance

It's believed that the first use of dance was as a gesture for communication.
Examples of how dance has been used throughout history:
As a means of religious expression (e.g., Ancient Egypt)
As an aid to military training (e.g., Ancient Greece)
Greeks believed grace in dance equaled prowess in war, so they incorporated dance into education.
- As a way to express tribal unity (e.g., Philippines)
- As a courtship ritual (e.g., Philippines)

Benefits of Dance

"Dance is fun! It lifts the spirit, strengthens the body, and stimulates the mind." - Wayne Sleep

Main Benefits of Dance

Physical
Mental/Emotional
Social
Cultural

Physical Benefits of Dance

Develops cardiovascular and muscular endurance
Improves flexibility, balance, coordination, and body composition
Enables joint mobility
Helps to prevent osteoporosis
Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Mental/Emotional Benefits of Dance

Helps to keep the brain sharp
Decreases the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Reduces depressive symptoms
Improves self-esteem and body image
Aids in releasing emotional tension

Gives a sense of togetherness within a group
Encourages positive social interaction and relationships within a group
Contributes to the individual's potential for self-actualization in society

Cultural Benefits of Dance

Promotes cultural values

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Description

Explore the various concepts of movement in dance, including spatial directions, temporal execution, and different energy types. This quiz examines sustained, percussive, vibratory, and swinging movements to enhance your understanding of dance techniques.