Performance Skills in GCSE Dance

Physical skills

The skills necessary to perform an action accurately and effectively without causing an injury.

Alignment

Correct placement of body parts in relation to each other.

Balance

A steady or held position achieved by an even distribution of weight.

Coordination

The efficient combination of body parts.

Control

The ability to start and stop movement, change direction and hold a shape efficiently.

Flexibility

The range of movement in the joints (involving muscles, tendons and ligaments).

Mobility

The range of movement in a joint; the ability to move fluently from action to action.

Strength

Muscular Power.

Stamina

Ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time.

Extension

Lengthening one or more muscles or limbs.

Isolation

An independent movement of part of the body.

Posture

The way the body is held.

Technical skills

The ability to execute dance steps, movements, and sequences accurately.

Actions

What a dancer does eg travelling, turning, elevation, gesture, stillness, use of body parts, floor-work and the transference of weight.

Dynamics

The qualities of movement based upon variations in speed, strength and flow.

Space

The 'where' of movement such as levels, directions, pathways, shapes, designs and patterns.

Relationship

The ways in which dancers interact; the connections between dancers.

Timing

The use of time or counts when matching movements to sound and/or other dancers.

Rhythmic content

Repeated patterns of sound or movement.

Style

Characteristic way of dancing.

Expressive skills

Skills which contribute to performance artistry and engage the audience.

Projection

The energy the dancer uses to connect with and draw in the audience.

Focus (use of)

Use of the eyes to enhance performance or interpretative qualities.

Spatial Awareness

Consciousness of the surrounding space and its effective use.

Facial Expression

Use of the face to show mood, feeling or character.

Phrasing

The way in which the energy is distributed in the execution of a movement phrase.

Musicality

The ability to make the unique qualities of the accompaniment evident in performance.

Sensitivity to other dancers

Awareness of and connection to other dancers.

Communication of choreographic intent

The ability to communicate the aim of the dance; including mood(s), meaning(s), idea(s), theme(s) and/or style/style fusion(s).

Mental skills

The level of mental focus and dedication to both process and performance of varied elements of dance training and performing.

Movement Memory

The ability to remember matters of dance: actions, space, dynamics and relationships.

Commitment

The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.

Concentration

Exclusive attention to one object; close mental application.

Confidence

A feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.

Mental rehearsal

Going through the dance in your mind.

Planning of rehearsal

Planning what will be carried out, where, when, how and who is involved.

Rehearsal discipline

Behaviour and attitude during rehearsals.

Response to feedback

Seeking feedback from others and responding and acting on feedback appropriately.

Capacity to improve

Understanding that there is always room to improve and seeking ways to do so.

Systematic repetition

Repeating a section over and over with an aim to improve a particular skill.