Performance skills

Question 1

Focus:

Answer 1

• how and where the dancer looks, or the point in space where the energy of the movement is directed
• focus can accent a line or an emotion
• wandering focus can portray a lack of confidence

Question 2

Musicality:

Answer 2

• sense of rhythm and musical structure in a dancer’s movement
• with music relies on timing, phrasing and sensitivity

Question 3

Emphasis:

Answer 3

• colouring expression
• relies on knowing which aspects of the performance in terms of energy space and time to accent
• this gives shading and expression

Question 4

Timing:

Answer 4

• the patterning of movement in time gives it form and rhythm
• being in time with the other dancers
• makes the performance look polished and have a clarity of delivery

Question 5

Phrasing:

Answer 5

• the way in which energy is distributed in the execution of a movement
• is an organising factor in the performance reliant on an understanding of space, time, weight and flow

Question 6

Projection:

Answer 6

• the clarity, energy and power of the performance

- allows the dancer’s movement to reach out beyond the body to the audience

Question 7

Characterisation:

Answer 7

-the way in which the dancer embodies a particular character through their posture, gesture, facial expression, quality and delivery of the movement

Question 8

Facial expression:

Answer 8

-the face is full of expressive potential and should be used to enhance the choreographic intent

Question 9

Sense of style:

Answer 9

-sensitivity to the distinct actions and qualities of the dance

Question 10

Awareness:

Answer 10

• the ability to sense what is happening around them and adjust their performance accordingly
• dancers take movement cues from others using their peripheral vision
• important from a safe practise point of view

Question 11

Sensitivity:

Answer 11

• capacity of a dancer to respond to changes, particularly in timing and spacing
• important when dancing with others to give a cohesive portrayal of the choreographic intent
• includes matching performance and skill levels to ensure clarity and not drawing attention from where the focal point it by upstaging

Question 12

Contact:

Answer 12

• the ability to ‘listen’ to others when giving or taking weight so to maintain a sensitive and safe rapport with other dancers
• also a safe practise skill

Question 13

Use of space:

Answer 13

• dancer’s spatial awareness needs to be developed for a clean and consistent performance which reflects the pathways, patterns and design of the choreography
• requires constant assessment and adjustment

Question 14

Communication of choreographic intention:

Answer 14

-empathy with the mood or meaning of the dance and the ability to interpret and communicate this

Question 15

What does the Royal Ballet’s Raven Girl use?

Answer 15

• man in lunge, women kneeling on his back with arms outstretched
• contact, focus awareness, sensitivity

Question 16

What does Jamison’s Hymn use?

Answer 16

• group in formation and unison, right arm outstretched and looking towards hand
• focus, timing, sensitivity, use of space

Question 17

What does Bourne’s Nutcracker use?

Answer 17

-characterisation, facial expression