Dance Performance Skills

PHYSICAL SKILLS

Strength

muscular power

Stamina

the ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time

Flexibility

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

Alignment

correct placement of body parts in relation to each other

Extension

lengthening one or more muscles or limbs

Coordination

the efficient combination of body parts

control

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

Balance

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

mobility

The range of movement in a joint, the ability to move fluidly from action to action

isolation

an independent movement of part of the body

posture

the way the body is held

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Actions

What a dancer does eg. travelling, turning, elevation

Dynamics

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

Space

the "where" of movement such as levels, directions, pathways, formations

Relationship

the ways in which dancers interact

Timing

the use of time or counts when matching movements to sound

rhythmic content

Repeated patterns of sound or movement

Style

characteristic way of dancing

EXPRESSIVE SKILLS

Projection

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

Focus

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

MENTAL SKILLS

Movement memory

the ability to remember matters of dance

Commitment

the state or quality of being dedicated to an activity

Concentration

exclusive attention to one object

Confidence

a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities

SAFE PRACTICE (list)

Appropriate dancewear, cooling down, hydration, nutrition, safe execution, warming up, spacial awareness