Principles Of Contemporary Dance

Question 1

Centering and alignment

Answer 1

Dancers need to find their centre
Movement should be controlled from a strong centre
Allows for freedom of movement and assists with balance

Posture has to do with alignment
It’s the placement of all the parts of the body in relation to one another

Question 2

Gravity

Answer 2

Gravity allows for momentum and dancers can use the force to help them move

Question 3

Fall recovery and suspension

Answer 3

Fall - the complete release of the muscles as the body gives in to gravity

Recovery - the rebound of energy passing through the bottom of the fall and continuing on the same path (pendulum swing)

Suspension - the prolonged high point created at the peak of the movement and delaying the takeover of gravity

Question 4

Balance and off balance

Answer 4

When moving the centre of gravity by displacing the pelvis, the body will go into a tilt or into fall and recovery
This gives a sense of urgency, vitality or danger

Question 5

Spiral

Answer 5

The turn of the body on its axis

Used for balance, control and turning

Question 6

Swings and momentum

Answer 6

Swings depend on the force of gravity
The downward swing gives into gravity but the momentum gains during the fall causes an upward swing
There is a moment of suspension before gravity causes it to fall again