Dance Performance Vocabulary

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Choreography

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the sequence of steps and movements in dance

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Performance Quality

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the dancer's ability to communicate the artistic intent through facial expressions and movement quality

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Formation

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the relationship of dancers to each other and the performance space in dance choreography

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Movement Quality: the way an ensemble is put together in support of artistic intent, the way a movement is executed in support of artistic intent, practicing the sequence of dance formations to support the artistic intent, the way a formation is executed in support of artistic intent

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the way a movement is executed in support of artistic intent

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Stage Directions

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areas of the performance space including Center Stage, Downstage, Stage Left, Stage Right and Upstage

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Choreographer

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A person who creates the sequence of steps and movements in dance.

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Stage Presence

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a quality in which the dancer is fully embodying the movement and artistic intent of the choreography while drawing the attention of the audience

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Blocking

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practicing the sequence of dance formations within choreography

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Artistic Intent

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the purpose, main idea, and/or expressive or communicative goal(s) of a dance composition study, work, or performance

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Rehearsal

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a practice of a dance for later public performance