Dance key terminology Flashcards
what does the word action mean?
what a dancer does- example: travelling, elevation, gesture, stillness, use of body parts, floor-work and the transference of weight.
what does acceleration mean?
speeding up the movement
what does accompaniment mean?
the sound that you hear during a dance. example- percussion.
what does accumulation mean.
when a dancer performs a series of movements and others join in at different times until all perform in unison.
what does air pattern mean.
a design that is traced in the air by a part of the body.
what does alignment mean?
correct placement of body parts in relation to each other.
What is artistic intention?
the aim of a dance; what the choreographer aims to communicate.
what is aural setting?
an audible accompaniment of the dance such as music, words, song and natural sound ( or silence).
what is balance?
a steady or held position achieved by an even distribution of weight.
what is canon?
when the same movement overlaps in time.
what is a choreographic approach?
the way in which a choreographer makes the dance.
what is a choreographic device?
methods used to develop and vary material.
what is a choreographic intention?
the aim of the dance; what the choreographer aims to communicate.
what is a choreographic process?
activities involved in creating dance. examples- improvisation, selection and development.
what is a climax?
the most significant moment of the dance.
what does the word complementary mean?
when u perform actions or chapels that are similar to but not exactly the same as another dancer’s.
what are constituent features?
characteristics of choreography. examples- stimulus, action content, form and structure, physical and aural settings.
what does contrast mean?
movements or shapes that have nothing in common.
what does control mean?
the ability to start and stop movement, change direction and hold a shape efficiently.
what does coordination mean?
the efficient combination of body parts.
what is a counterpoint?
when dancers perform different phrases simultaneously.
what does deceleration mean?
slowing down a movement.
what does dynamic mean?
the qualities of movement based upon variations in speed, strength and flow.
what does the word elevation mean?
the action of ‘going up’ without support. example- a jump.
what does the word episodic mean?
a choreography with several sections, linked by a theme.
what is an expressive skill?
aspects that contribute to performance artistry and that engage the audience, such as focus and musicality.
what is extension?
lengthening one or more muscle or limbs?
what does flexibility mean?
the range of movements in the joints (involving muscles, tendons and ligaments).
what does focus mean?
use of eyes to enhance performance or interpretive qualities.
what does formation mean?
shapes or patterns created in space by dancers.
what does the word highlight?
important moment in a dance.
what does the terms ‘in the round mean’
a performing area with the audience seated on all sides.
what does the word isolation mean?
an independent movement from part of the body.
what does the word kinaesthetic mean?
sensory perception ( or awareness) of movement and position.
what does the phrase ‘mental skills’ mean?
examples- commitment, concentration, confidence, movement memory, systematic repetition, mental rehearsal, rehearsal discipline, planning of rehearsal, response to feedback and capacity to improve.
what does the word mobility mean?
the range of movement in a join; the ability to move fluently from action to action.
what does the word motif mean?
a movement phrase encapsulating an idea that is repeated and developed throughout a dance.
what does the word musicality mean?
the ability to make the unique qualities of the accompaniment evident in performance.
what does the word narrative mean
a dance that tells a story.
what is a performance environment?
different settings for dance. examples- i’m the round, proscenium and site- sensitive.
why does the word phrase mean?
a short sequence of linked movement.
what does the word phrasing mean?
the way in which the energy is distributed in the execution of a movement phrase.
what is a physical skill?
an aspect enabling effective performance such as posture, alignment, balance, coordination, control, flexibility, mobility, strength, stamina, extension and isolation.
what does the word posture mean?
the way in which the body is held.
what is professional work?
original choreography by an individual or company that is recognised nationally or internationally.
what does projection mean?
the energy the dancer uses to connect with and draw in the audience.
what does prop/property mean?
a portable object that is used in a dance. example- suitcase.
what does the word proscenium mean?
the arch or opening that creates the effect of a picture frame and separates the stage from the auditorium.
what does the phrase ‘rehearsal discipline’ mean?
attributes and skills required for refining performance. examples- commitment, systematic repetition, teamwork, responsibility and effective use of time.
what does the word relationship mean?
the ways in which dancers interact; the connections between dancers.
what does the word repetition mean?
performing the same action or phrase again.
what does the word retrograde mean?
reversing a movement phrase.
what does the phrase ‘rhythmic content’ mean?
repeated patterns of sound or movement.
what does rondo mean?
a music or dance form with alternating and repeating sections. example- verse and chorus.
what does safe execution mean?
carrying out actions safely.
what does the phrase ‘safe working practise’ mean?
personal care, respect for others, safe execution and preparation and recovery from dancing.
what does the phrase ‘site sensitive’ mean?
dances that are designed for (or relate to) non- theatre spaces.
what does space mean?
the ‘where’ of movement. examples- levels, directions, pathways, shapes, designs and patterns.
what does spatial awareness mean?
consciousness of the surroundings space and it’s effective use.
what does spacing design mean?
the way that elements of space have been considered, utilised and designed ( can be personal space and general space).
what does staging and set mean?
the presentation of dance in the performing space. examples- set, furniture, props, projection and backdrop
what does stamina mean?
ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time.
what is a stimulus?
inspiration for an idea or movement.
what is strength?
muscular power
what is style?
characteristic- way of dancing
what does the phrase ‘style fusion’ mean?
the combination of features of two or more styles.
what is systematic repetition?
repeating something in an arranged or ordered way.
what does tactile mean?
relating to the sense of touch.
what is a technical skill?
a technical skill includes accuracy of action. timing, dynamic, rhythmic and spatial content and the reproduction of movement in a stylistically accurate way.
what does ternary mean?
a composition in three parts.
does does timing mean?
the use of time or counts when matching movements to sound and/ or other dancers.
what does the word transition mean?
links between dance phrases or sections.
what does unison mean?
two or more dancers performing the same movement at the same time.
what does unity mean?
a sense of ‘wholeness’ or harmony.
