RCAH 291: Dance Vocabulary

Terms in this set (38)

Space
the where of the dance
Directions
forward, backward, right side, left side, up, down, clockwise, counterclockwise
General Space
the total space in the gymnasium, classroom, studio, or outdoor area designated as moving space
Levels
low, middle, high
Negative Space
space not being used, or empty space
Pathways
straight, curved, zigzag
Positive Space
space that is being used or filled by a person's body
Self-Space
also known as personal space; the space surrounding one person; a stationary location in space
Time
the when of dance
Accent
stress placed on one or more beats
Counterpoint
contrasting sets of beats
Felt Time
personal rhythm; i.e., breath
Pulse
the underlying beat
Rhythm
arrangements of beats
Tempo
speed
Body
the what of dance
Body Shapes
curved, straight, angular, twisted, wide, narrow, symmetrical, asymmetrical, open, closed
Locomotor Skills
the eight basic movements that travel across general space: walk, run, jump, hop, leap, gallop, slide, skip
Nonlocomotor Skills
movements that stay in personal space: rotate, stretch, bend, push, pull, shake
Other Locomotor Skills
rolling, crawling, scooting
Force/Dynamics
the how of dance
Energy
sharp and smooth
Flow
bound and free
Qualities of Movement
sustained, percussive, vibratory, swing, collapse, suspend
Weight
strong and light
Relationships
setting of dances
With Others or Objects
between, around, through, in front of, behind, beside, under, over, above, below
With Partners or Groups
Leading (moving ahead); following (moving behind); meeting (moving toward); parting (moving away from)
Creating
the design of dance
ABA
A represents a movement phrase; B represents a different movement phase; A represents a return to the first movement phrase
Canon/Round
a single movement phrase that is layered and restarted at successive intervals
Chance Dance
movement phrases performed in random order
Improvisation
creative problem solving through movement
Movement Phrase
a series of movements that complete an idea
Narrative
a dance story
Rondo
a movement phrase with three or more movement themes; starts with a main theme and moves to another theme, then returns to the main theme at intervals: ABACADAEA
Shape, Move, Shape
start in a shape, move, end in a shape
Theme and Variation
a movement phrase followed by several variations on the original theme
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