Dance Appreciation Flashcards
Evaluate your stamina in one of your solo performances?
In my contemporary solo performance, I would evaluate my stamina as mostly effective, although I identified some moments where physical fatigue affected my performance. Contemporary dance often demands sustained flow, use of weight, and continuous transitions between levels, and I was able to maintain both energy and control throughout most of the piece. For example, I performed fluid floorwork and high-release movements with sustained momentum and breath support, which allowed me to express the choreographic intention clearly.
However, in the final section—where the choreography intensified with rapid travelling phrases, weighted jumps, and suspended balances—I began to feel fatigued. This showed in my use of dynamics, which became less defined, and in my recovery time between movements, which slowed down. These signs of muscular and cardiovascular fatigue affected the expressiveness of the movement and slightly disrupted the flow of transitions.
To improve my stamina, I included full-out rehearsals of the piece in my training, simulating performance conditions to build endurance. I also incorporated low-impact aerobic exercises such as Pilates to support both cardiovascular fitness and muscular control. Over time, this helped me sustain the energy needed for the continuous and expressive nature of the choreography, resulting in a more fluid and emotionally consistent performance.
Explain your use of turnout and or parallel in one of your solo performances
In my contemporary solo performance, I used both turnout and parallel alignment to support the style, intention, and technical quality of the movement. I used parallel alignment in the opening section to reflect the grounded, natural qualities of the choreography. For example, I began in a parallel second position and moved into a series of weighted lunges and contractions. This use of parallel helped me stay connected to the floor, creating a sense of heaviness and emotional depth that supported the choreographic intention of vulnerability.
Turnout was used more selectively to create contrast and open the body in expansive movements. During a travelling phrase mid-performance, I moved through turned-out fourth and fifth positions in preparation for a développé and a jump. This allowed me to achieve greater range of motion in the hips and a more extended line through the legs, enhancing the visual impact and flow of the phrase.
By switching between parallel and turnout, I was able to vary the texture of the choreography and meet the stylistic demands of contemporary dance. I focused on maintaining correct alignment in both positions, ensuring my knees were tracking over my toes in parallel, and that turnout originated from the hip joints rather than the knees. This helped me dance safely, maintain balance, and perform the movements with both accuracy and expressive intent.
Discuss the way spatial awareness impacted your performance in two contrasting styles
Spatial awareness had a significant impact on my performance in both contemporary and hip hop, but in different ways due to the contrasting demands of each style.
In my contemporary solo, spatial awareness was crucial for maintaining the fluid transitions between levels and ensuring smooth travel across the performance space. For example, I had to be constantly aware of my orientation when moving from floorwork to standing phrases, using the diagonals and corners of the space to express expansion and isolation. This spatial sensitivity allowed me to shape the movement with intention and ensured I did not overextend or under-travel, which could have disrupted the choreographic flow or emotional continuity. It also helped me maintain alignment when shifting weight, particularly during off-balance or release-based movements.
In contrast, my hip hop performance relied on a sharper and more direct use of space. I had to be spatially precise to hit clean formations and deliver clear pathways in popping, locking, and footwork sequences. For example, during tutting and isolations, I used clear spatial planes (frontal, lateral, and sagittal) to ensure crisp lines and accurate angles. This required me to be highly aware of my body’s position in relation to the performance space and to maintain strong control over my personal kinesphere. Spatial awareness here enhanced the clarity, rhythm, and overall impact of the choreography.
By adapting my use of space to suit each style, I was able to improve performance quality—contributing to the expressive, continuous feel of contemporary and the sharp, confident attitude required in hip hop.
Compare your performance skills in one chosen dance style to that of a model performer
In hip hop, I compared my performance skills to those of a professional model performer seen in The Royal Family Dance Crew performing at the World of Dance competition. One key performance skill where I showed strength was musicality. Like the model performer, I was able to pick up on beats, accents, and rhythm changes in the music, and match my movement precisely—particularly in popping and footwork sections. This helped me maintain strong timing and made my performance feel tight and rhythmically driven.
However, in terms of projection and facial expression, the model performer was more confident and engaging. They performed with consistent energy and facial intensity throughout the routine, using their whole body—including facial expressions—to project attitude and character. In comparison, I sometimes focused too much on the technical accuracy of my movements, which caused my facial expression and presence to drop, especially in more complex or fast-paced sections.
The model performer also demonstrated excellent use of focus and performance awareness, confidently shifting their gaze in line with movement to draw the audience’s attention. I’ve worked on developing this, but at times my focus would become internal when concentrating, which reduced my connection with the audience.
Overall, the comparison highlighted that while my timing and clarity were strong, I needed to further develop my expressive and performance presence. Watching the model performer helped me understand how performance skills can elevate the impact of hip hop beyond just technique.
Describe one development method you have used to improve one technical skill
To improve my balance in contemporary dance, I used the development method of centre-focused strength training combined with slow, controlled repetition of balances within choreography. I focused particularly on strengthening my core muscles, as they are essential for maintaining control and alignment during off-centre movements, balances on one leg, and transitions between levels.
One specific exercise I used was holding a développé in parallel and turned-out positions, gradually increasing the duration while engaging my abdominals and glutes to stabilise my pelvis and spine. I practised this in front of a mirror to monitor my alignment and correct any wobbling or overcompensation. I also incorporated yoga-based balances like tree pose and warrior III to challenge my control and proprioception.
In rehearsal, I isolated sections of choreography that included moments of balance—for example, during an arabesque into a floor drop—and repeated these with a focus on weight placement and breath. Over time, I noticed that I was able to hold balances for longer, recover more quickly from instability, and perform with greater confidence.
This development method was effective because it combined technical training with practical application, helping me to embed the improved balance into my performance and making transitions smoother and more expressive.
Explain the impact of self-expression in one of your dance solos
Self-expression had a major impact on my performance in my hip hop solo, helping me to connect more authentically with the choreography and communicate the intended attitude of the piece. The theme of my solo was confidence and resilience, and I used self-expression through facial expression, gesture, and personal movement quality to reflect that.
For example, during the opening locking section, I added subtle variations in my performance such as a confident smirk and sharper isolations, which gave the choreography more character and made it feel individual to me. This helped to build a connection with the audience and allowed me to show my own interpretation of the music.
In freestyle moments between structured phrases, I used body language and rhythmic play to express my own personality, which made the performance more dynamic and engaging. These moments stood out because they went beyond just technical execution—they allowed me to put part of myself into the performance.
The impact of this self-expression was that my solo felt more genuine and memorable, and I received feedback that my performance stood out due to my energy and confidence. It also helped me stay mentally engaged, especially in high-energy sections, and gave the choreography a sense of individuality that reflected the true spirit of hip hop.
Compare your musicality in your two contrasting dance solos
My use of musicality differed significantly between my hip hop and contemporary solos, as each style required a different relationship with the music.
In my hip hop solo, musicality was focused on hitting beats with precision and accenting specific moments in the track. I used sharp isolations, body pops, and footwork to emphasise drum patterns and bass lines. For example, in a section of the choreography where the music had quick rhythmic shifts, I responded with fast tutting sequences and changes in level that matched the syncopation. This helped create a strong connection between the movement and music, making the performance feel rhythmically tight and dynamic.
In contrast, my contemporary solo required a more fluid and interpretative use of musicality. Instead of hitting each beat directly, I focused on phrasing, breath, and movement quality to reflect the underlying emotion in the music. For example, I used sustained movements and pauses during piano sections to echo the rise and fall of the melody, rather than just responding to rhythm. This allowed me to express more nuance and emotional depth, giving the performance a sense of flow and intention that suited the choreographic theme.
While both solos demonstrated musicality, in hip hop I focused on rhythmic accuracy and sharp timing, whereas in contemporary I prioritised emotional interpretation and dynamic contrast. This comparison highlights how I adapted my musicality to suit the stylistic and expressive needs of each dance.
Explain the impact of the key characteristics in one of your chosen dance styles
The key characteristics of contemporary dance—such as fluidity, use of breath, floorwork, off-balance movement, and dynamic contrast—had a significant impact on my solo performance by enhancing both the technical execution and emotional expression of the choreography.
One of the most important characteristics I applied was fluidity, which allowed me to transition smoothly between movements and levels. This created a sense of continuity that suited the reflective and emotional intention of the piece. For example, when moving from a deep contraction into a spiral turn and then into floorwork, I used breath to guide the movement and maintain flow, making the choreography feel more natural and expressive.
The use of floorwork also had a strong impact. It grounded the performance and allowed me to explore weight and momentum, helping me to show vulnerability and softness. This contrasted effectively with moments of suspension and dynamic bursts of energy, which are also key characteristics of contemporary dance. These changes in dynamics helped to keep the audience engaged and allowed me to express contrasting emotions within the same piece.
Overall, the application of contemporary’s key characteristics helped me connect more deeply with the intention of the dance. They added complexity to the movement and allowed me to perform with greater physicality, emotion, and clarity.
Explain the importance of posture and alignment in relation to the principles of safe dance practise
Posture and alignment are essential for safe dance practice because they reduce the risk of injury, support efficient movement, and allow dancers to perform with control and strength. Good posture involves maintaining a neutral spine, lifted chest, and engaged core, while alignment refers to how the head, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles are stacked correctly to support balance and movement.
Maintaining correct alignment ensures that the joints are working in their natural range, which prevents strain—particularly in the knees and lower back. For example, when landing from jumps, correct alignment allows for proper shock absorption through the feet, knees, and hips. If alignment is off, such as with the knees falling inwards, it increases the risk of injury like ligament strain or joint damage.
Good posture also improves muscle efficiency by allowing the body to move freely and with less tension. It supports stamina and control, which are vital for executing choreography safely, especially in demanding styles like contemporary or jazz where transitions between levels or directions happen quickly.
In terms of safe dance practice, posture and alignment contribute to prevention of overuse injuries, allow for safe weight transfer, and ensure that dancers can perform technique correctly without compensating through poor habits that could cause long-term issues.
Compare your flexibility in your two contrasting dance solos
My use of flexibility differed between my contemporary and hip hop solos, based on the stylistic demands of each.
In my contemporary solo, flexibility played a more central role. I used it to enhance the fluidity and expressiveness of the choreography, particularly in phrases involving high leg extensions, deep lunges, and arched back movements. For example, I performed a développé into a tilt, followed by a floor-based spiral, which required both hamstring and hip flexibility to maintain line and control. My flexibility helped me achieve a sense of openness and emotional depth, which suited the choreographic intention of vulnerability and release.
In contrast, flexibility was less prominent in my hip hop solo, as the style focused more on strength, precision, and isolations. However, some flexibility was still important for moves like floor freezes, dynamic kicks, and deep plié-based transitions. I noticed that while I didn’t need extreme flexibility in hip hop, having functional range of motion in the hips and spine allowed me to perform more grounded movements with ease and without strain. For instance, during a drop to the floor followed by a backbend, I used spinal flexibility to maintain control and flow.
While my flexibility was more fully showcased in contemporary, it still contributed to the execution and safety of movement in hip hop. This comparison showed me how flexibility can be adapted to meet the stylistic needs of different genres—either to create expressive lines or to support efficient and injury-free transitions.
Compare your use of quality and dynamics to a model performer
In my contemporary solo, I compared my use of quality and dynamics to that of Ellie Wagner, a distinguished dancer recognized for her emotive performances, notably her solo “This Woman’s Work” . Wagner’s execution showcases a seamless blend of fluidity and strength, allowing her to convey profound emotion through movement.
In my performance, I focused on achieving smooth transitions and controlled movements to mirror the emotive quality seen in Wagner’s work. For instance, during a sequence of sustained arabesques and floor rolls, I aimed to maintain a consistent flow, using breath to guide my movements and convey the piece’s emotional depth.
However, while Wagner exhibits a remarkable ability to shift between dynamic extremes—transitioning from soft, lyrical phrases to sharp, impactful movements—I found it challenging to replicate this level of contrast. My performance tended to maintain a consistent dynamic range, lacking the sudden bursts of energy that add intensity and highlight emotional peaks in Wagner’s choreography.
Observing Wagner’s performance emphasized the importance of dynamic variation in contemporary dance. Her ability to manipulate movement quality and dynamics enhances the storytelling aspect of her pieces. This comparison has inspired me to incorporate a broader dynamic range in my performances, utilizing both subtle and powerful movements to more effectively convey the choreographic intention.
Analyse the ways in which social and cultural factors have influenced one dance style.
Contemporary dance has been significantly shaped by a range of social and cultural factors, particularly those emerging in the 20th and 21st centuries. It developed as a response to the rigid structure of classical ballet, during a time of social change and artistic rebellion. Early pioneers like Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan were influenced by the growing desire for freedom of expression, especially among women, and their work reflected themes of identity, emotional struggle, and political unrest.
One major social factor was the increased focus on individuality and self-expression in Western society, especially after both World Wars. Dancers and choreographers began to reject traditional dance forms and explored more grounded, natural movement. This cultural shift encouraged the use of breath, floorwork, and release techniques, allowing performers to express personal and societal emotions through the body.
Culturally, contemporary dance has been influenced by globalisation, leading to the fusion of different styles and practices. For example, many contemporary works now integrate elements of African dance, martial arts, and even hip hop—reflecting a more diverse and interconnected world. Choreographers like Akram Khan blend contemporary with classical Indian dance, showing how cultural heritage can shape the dynamics, rhythms, and themes in modern choreography.
In summary, contemporary dance has been deeply shaped by social movements, personal freedom, and cross-cultural exchange, making it one of the most expressive and inclusive dance styles today.
Discuss the ways in which an influential choreographer has contributed to one dance
style.
Martha Graham made a significant contribution to the development of contemporary dance by challenging the classical traditions of ballet and introducing a new movement vocabulary rooted in emotional expression. She is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of modern and contemporary dance, and her work laid the foundation for much of the style as we know it today.
One of her key contributions was the creation of the Graham Technique, which introduced the concepts of contraction and release. These movements were based on natural human breathing patterns and became central to contemporary dance, allowing dancers to express inner emotion through physical form. This technique shifted focus from aesthetic beauty to emotional truth and rawness.
Graham also contributed by developing choreography that dealt with psychological themes, personal struggle, and political issues, which was groundbreaking at the time. Pieces like Lamentation explored grief through minimalist, expressive movement, showing that dance could be used as a powerful storytelling and emotional tool. This encouraged future choreographers to tackle deeper themes in their work.
In addition, she helped elevate the status of contemporary dance by establishing her own dance company and training generations of dancers who would go on to become influential themselves. Through her innovation, teaching, and choreography, Martha Graham redefined what dance could be, making her a vital figure in shaping contemporary dance as an expressive, individual, and emotionally-driven style.
Describe an appropriate warm up for one selected dance style
An appropriate warm-up for jazz should prepare the body both physically and mentally, while targeting the specific demands of the style—such as dynamic movement, isolations, high kicks, and turns. A jazz warm-up should gradually increase the heart rate, mobilise joints, activate key muscle groups, and improve flexibility.
The warm-up would begin with a pulse-raiser such as jogging, grapevines, or step-touches to increase blood flow and body temperature. This would last around 5 minutes and may be done to upbeat music to reflect the energetic style of jazz.
Next, joint mobilisations would follow, focusing on rolling the shoulders, hips, wrists, and ankles to prepare for sharp isolations and directional changes. Dynamic stretches such as leg swings, lunges with arm circles, and hamstring sweeps would also be included to loosen the muscles without overstretching.
Then, core activation exercises—such as planks or crunches—would be added to prepare for controlled movements, turns, and balances. This section may also include technical drills, like tendus and pliés in parallel and turned out, to engage correct posture and alignment.
Finally, the warm-up would progress to style-specific movement such as jazz walks, isolations, and kicks across the floor, helping to connect the body to rhythm, coordination, and performance quality.
This full-body approach prepares the dancer for the sharp, energetic and technical demands of jazz, while also helping to reduce the risk of injury.
Explain the importance of warm up and hydration in relation to safe
dance practice
Warm-up and hydration are both essential components of safe dance practice, helping to prepare the body for movement, reduce the risk of injury, and maintain overall physical health during training and performance.
A warm-up gradually increases the dancer’s heart rate, blood circulation, and muscle temperature, making the body more responsive and reducing the risk of strains or sprains. It also mobilises the joints, improves flexibility, and activates the muscles needed for the specific dance style. For example, in jazz, a warm-up would prepare the body for high kicks, isolations, and dynamic movement. Without a proper warm-up, muscles may be stiff and more prone to injury during explosive or repetitive movements.
Warm-ups also help mentally prepare the dancer, improving focus and coordination before performing complex choreography. This supports better execution and safer movement patterns.
Hydration is equally important in safe dance practice. When dancers sweat, they lose fluids and electrolytes, which can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and reduced concentration. Staying hydrated helps maintain muscle function, joint lubrication, and overall energy levels. Dehydration can negatively affect balance, reaction time, and stamina, increasing the likelihood of accidents or injuries, especially during intense rehearsals or performances.
Together, warm-up and hydration support a dancer’s physical readiness, concentration, and endurance, all of which are vital for dancing safely and effectively.
Explain the importance of appropriate attire and footwear in a
selected dance style
In jazz dance, wearing appropriate attire and footwear is essential for ensuring safe dance practice, supporting technical performance, and allowing full freedom of movement.
Jazz dancers typically wear tight-fitting clothing such as leggings, leotards, or fitted tops. This allows the teacher or choreographer to clearly see body alignment, posture, and muscle engagement, which is important for correcting technique and preventing poor habits that could lead to injury. Loose or baggy clothing could hide alignment issues or restrict movement, increasing the risk of accidents.
Footwear is also crucial. Jazz shoes are specifically designed to support the foot during the sharp, dynamic movements common in jazz—such as kicks, turns, and jumps. They have a flexible sole to allow for proper foot articulation and a slight heel to help with balance and weight placement. Jazz shoes also provide the right level of grip to prevent slipping, while still allowing smooth movement across the floor. Wearing socks or bare feet instead could increase the chance of slipping or straining the arch.
Overall, appropriate attire and footwear help dancers move confidently, perform safely, and maintain proper technique, which are all key elements of safe and effective dance practice in jazz
Explain the importance of risk assessing and dance attire in relation to
safe dance practice
Risk assessing involves identifying potential hazards in the dance space before class, rehearsal, or performance. This includes checking for wet floors, loose wires, uneven surfaces, or clutter that could cause slips, trips, or falls. A proper risk assessment also considers ventilation, temperature, and space to ensure the environment supports safe movement. For example, in a small or crowded space, a dancer could collide with others or nearby objects, leading to injury. Identifying and addressing these risks beforehand allows dancers to focus fully on their performance without unnecessary danger.
Identify two choreographic devices used in one of your solos
In my contemporary solo, I used repetition and contrast as choreographic devices.
Repetition was used to emphasise key motifs throughout the piece. For example, I repeated a spiralling arm movement combined with a contraction to reflect the emotional theme of internal conflict.
Contrast was applied by varying the dynamics between soft, sustained floorwork and sharp, upright gestures. This helped to highlight emotional shifts and kept the choreography engaging for the audience
Explain the importance of a cool down
A cool down is just as important after dancing as this can help to reduce injury, muscle soreness and speed up the recovery process after the activity. After any aerobic activity, the blood is pooled in the extremities, and the heartrate is elevated. The purpose of the cool-down is to bring the heartrate down to near-normal and to get the blood circulating freely back to the heart
Stopping dancing/physical activity abruptly could result in fainting or place undue stress on the heart. The cool-down should also include stretching to help relax the muscles which worked so hard during the activity.
Dancing increases adrenaline and endorphins (hormones) in circulations which can lead to restlessness and not being able to sleep properly.
Increase in waste products such as Lactic Acid can cause stiffness and soreness as well as cramps and muscle spasms. The exercises and movements involved in a cool-down are designed to disperse the lactic acid – a substance that builds up in the muscles during vigorous exercise. If this is not dispersed, then we are more likely to suffer cramp (a painful muscle spasm).
By gradually decreasing the pace of your movements, the breathing rate will decrease and reverse the warm up process. Stretching should also be part of the cool down process. If you are still sore the following day, doing some light/ gentle exercise and stretching may help as well as continue to increase flexibility.
Why is it important to stay hydrated during a dance class?
It is important to stay hydrated during practical activity as this will help prevent: Muscle cramps, Dizziness/poor balance, Fatigue and Overheating
Even mild dehydration can affect performance. Staying hydrated is extremely important to a dancer’s performance because the first signs of dehydration are fatigue and poor balance. Thirst actually only kicks in after the body has lost 1-2 litres of water. If you are thirsty then you are already dehydrated.
It’s important for dancers to know that being properly hydrated helps keep the body from overheating. Helping the body promote heat loss when dancing full out will improve athletic performance and aid in recovery. This is especially important for dancers wearing hot costumes and performing under stage lights. Sweat losses during performance can be significantly more than during rehearsal of the same piece. This is why drinking regularly (even small, regular sips)
is an important habit during a class/show
