Composition Vocabulary

Question 1

ABA Form

Answer 1

• type of composition that has three parts
• section 1 (part A) represents one idea or theme, section 2 (part B) represents a different contrasting idea or theme and then the movement sequence finishes by repeating part A (which might be slightly different than section 1)

Question 2

Beginning and End

Answer 2

• introduction and conclusion to a composition
• beginning can be introductory formation or moving entrance, sets mood for piece
• end can be an ending formation or moving exit, gives feeling of closure and finality

Question 3

Canon

Answer 3

• also called “follow up”

- movement that is repeated and done in sequence by the dancers throughout the choreography

Question 4

Choreography

Answer 4

• movement and shaping of the body in space as designed by the choreographer

Question 5

Choreographer

Answer 5

• creates and sets original movement based on theme, image, story, piece of music, or movement idea
• many are also dancers or former dancers
• may work collaboratively with dancers through improv
• may also specify music, costumes, sets, or props

Question 6

Climax

Answer 6

• happens near end of choreography
• gives satisfaction to the audience
• here, intensity of choreography increases to reveal meaning of work/complete the story
• awakens audiences understanding of choreography

Question 7

Composition

Answer 7

• can be used interchangeably with term choreography
• series of movements structured by form
• usually have theme
• contain elements of dance

Question 8

Elements of Dance

Answer 8

• five elements used to create compositions

- energy, shape, space, time, relationship

Question 9

Energy

Answer 9

• element of dance

- also called effort, can be varied in composition (low or high)

Question 10

Formation

Answer 10

• used in compositions to help clarify movement
• choreographers choses these by placing dancers in patterns on floor
• can make lines, circles, diagonals, scattered, or squares
• dancers can move through these with moving patterns

Question 11

Kinesphere

Answer 11

• three dimensional space in which all movement of the body takes place
• front to back, side to side, top to bottom

Question 12

Notation

Answer 12

• written method for documenting and recording movement; also referred to as choreology

Question 13

Relationship

Answer 13

• an element of dance
• movement and expression the dancer creates with their body that helps them demonstrate a connection to the space around them (other dancers, items in space)

Question 14

Rondo Form

Answer 14

• ABACADA
• similar to ABA form, but not the same
• definite feeling of return

Question 15

Shape

Answer 15

• element of dance
• movement made by the body creates this
• can be circular, linear, round, spiral, jagged, etc.
• creates an emotional response from audience

Question 16

Space

Answer 16

• an element of dance
• can use a large amount or small amount
• determined by space around dancer
• refer to kinesphere

Question 17

Theme and Variation

Answer 17

• form of choreography

- theme is shown, then series of transformations to the theme (the variations)

Question 18

Time

Answer 18

• element of dance
• can take more or less of this with their movements
• same movement can be performed slowly or quickly

Question 19

What is Modern Dance?

Answer 19

• an art form that is composed of highly individualized movement based on ever-changing aesthetic ideals
• explores the elements of space, shape, time, and energy
• includes experiences in technique, improvisation, choreography, and performance

Question 20

What is Ballet?

Answer 20

• highly stylized form of theatrical dance that often implements specific positions and pantomime