Introduction to Dance: key terms

How many physical skills in dance can you remember?

Answer explanation

Posture, alignment, strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, control, coordination, isolation, extension and mobility.

Choose one physical skill and explain why it is important in dance.

What is a motif?

• Original choreography by an individual or company that is recognised nationally or internationally

• Inspiration for an idea or movement

• A movement phrase that can be repeated and developed throughout a dance

What do you already know about contemporary dance?

Answer explanation

Contemporary dance is a modern style of dance popular in Western countries, focused on freedom of movement and showing emotions. Key features include: fall and recovery, fluid use of the spine and pointed or flexed feet.

What is the definition of 'action' in dance?

• What a dancer does

• Where a dancer is

• How a dancer interacts with others

• How a dancer performs a movement

What is the definition of 'timing' in dance?

• The ability to make the unique qualities of the accompaniment evident in performance

• Use of counts to match movement and sound

• An accompaniment to the dance such as music or words

(a)   are shapes created in space by dancers

(a)   is the facing of the movement.

(a)   is the distance from the ground e.g. low/ middle/ high.

Which category do 'formations' fall into?

• Action

• Space

• Relationships

• Dynamics