Elements of Dance - SPACE

If you begin a dance phrase facing the left, and complete the phrase facing the right diagonal what have you changed?

• Dimension

• Size

• Direction

• Level

When we are moving on a LOW level in dance, we are typically doing floor work. Which of these corresponds to movements that are executed at a HIGH level?

• Jumps, leaps, lifts

• Standing, travelling, transitioning

• Floor work

• Formations

Provide FOUR ways to describe the shape of a dance or movement.

What is the difference between personal space and performance space?

Draw the ground pathway of the original choreography we learnt this week.

Answer explanation

As dancers move around the space, they create patterns and pathways on the floor. If the dancers in the photo opposite had wet paint on their feet, it would be possible to see a pattern on the floor at the end of the dance. This can often reflect the dynamics of the movement (e.g. if patterns are circular are flowing, the movement may be soft and flowing) and help reflect intent.

When bodies are travelling in space, they can create pathways and patterns in the air as well. If a choreographer or dancer works with an awareness of the patterns being created, deliberate choices are being made that may result in a stronger work. 

This video is from Australian Dance Party's site-specific performances from 2017 and 2018. Watch the video and tick which locations you can see them perform at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plZfsiQfhgw

• National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

• Beach

• 
• 
• Carpark

Write at least 2 sentences for this answer.

Looking at all of the sub-elements of dance, which one do you find yourself using the most in your dance-making?

Why do you think this is?