Dance Types and Characteristics

Study Notes

Improvisation: Spontaneous movements performed by dancers in response to choreographer's suggestions.
Modern Dance (Contemporary Dance): A dance style where intent and style aren't limited to specific subjects or areas. Dancers control their bodies as instruments to express human behavior. Modern dance was considered rebellious against ballet's confines (1979, Horwitz).
Ballet: Combines dance, poetry, music, and painting (Haskell 1965). Uses structured steps.
Ballo: Italian term for dances performed in ballrooms.
Tinikling: A popular folk dance from Leyte, Philippines.
Ritual Dances: Depict ceremonies.
Ethnic Dances: Specific to a particular culture.
Folk Dances: Vernacular, recreational dances expressing cultural heritage, past or present.
James K. Feibleman's view: Dance is an art that involves body movements.
Isadora Duncan: Pioneer who found ballet unsuitable for her style.

Plie (pli-yey): Bending or folding the knees.
Relevé: To lift or rise.
Battement tendu: Stretched beating.
Battement degagé: "Disengaged."
Glissade: Gliding step.
Central work exercise: Stretching and relaxing exercises in the center of the room, focusing on back and other muscles.
Corner drills: Sequence of jumps, leaps, and turns covering wide areas.
Barre exercise: Exercises using a barre for balance and proper body placement.
Warm-up: Limbering and stretching exercises preparing the body for difficult movements.
Mimetic or Drama Dances: Mimic animals, objects, or people.
War Dances: Express conflict and enmity, often involving physical combat between male dancers.
Life-cycle Dances: Depict stages of life (birth, courtship, marriage, death).
Occupational Dances: Show the work and occupations of dancers.