Dance Performance Skills

Physical - Alignment

Correct placement of body parts in relation to each other

Physical - Balance

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

Physical - Coordination

The efficient combination of body parts

Physical - Control

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

Physical - Extension

Lengthening one or more muscles or limbs

Physical - Flexibility

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

Physical - Isolation

An independent movement of part of the body

Physical - Mobility

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

Physical - Posture

The way the body is held

Physical - Stamina

Ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time

Physical - Strength

Muscular power

Technical - Action Content

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

Technical - Dynamics

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

Technical - Spatial Content

The ‘where’ of movement such as levels, directions, pathways, shapes, designs and patterns

Technical - Stylistically Accurate

Characteristic way of dancing

Technical - Rhythmic Content

Repeated patterns of sound or movement

Technical - Timing

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

Technical - Relationship Content

The ways in which dancers interact; the connections between dancers

Expressive - Focus

Use of the eyes to enhance the performance or interpretive qualities

Expressive - Choreographic Intent

What the choreographer aims to communicate

Expressive - Sensitivity to Other Dancers

Awareness and connection with other dancers

Expressive - Spatial Awareness

Consciousness and effectiveness of the surrounding space

Expressive - Musicality

Ability to make the unique qualities of the accompaniment evident in performance

Expressive - Facial Expression

Use of face to show mood, feeling or meaning

Expressive - Projection

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

Expressive - Phrasing

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

Mental (During Performance) - Movement Memory

Ability to remember actions, space, dynamics and relationships of the dance

Mental (During Performance) - Commitment

Dedication to the movement, the themes and ideas and the overall performance

Mental (During Performance) - Concentration

Completely focused and giving all your attention to the performance

Mental (During Performance) - Confidence

A feeling of self belied during the performance

Mental (During Process) - Mental Rehearsal

Going through the dance in your mind

Mental (During Process) - Systematic Repetition

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

Mental (During Process) - Planning of Rehearsal

Planning what will be carried out during the rehearsal, where, when, how and who is involved

Mental (During Process) - Rehearsal Discipline

Behaviour and attitude during rehearsals

Mental (During Process) - Response to Feedback

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

Mental (During Process) - Capacity to Improve

Understanding that there is always room for improvement and seeking ways to do so