Ultimate Guide: Dance (HL)

Storytelling

The dance follows a storyline with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Characters and events are conveyed through movement.h

Theme-based

The dance explores a specific theme or concept, which guides the choreography.

Verse-Chorus

The dance follows the structure of a song, with distinct sections for verses and choruses

Phrasing

Movement sequences align with musical phrases or sections, creating a flow that matches the music's dynamics.

Motif Development

A small movement or gesture is introduced and then developed and varied throughout the dance.

Structured Improvisation

Dancers follow set guidelines or rules but have freedom to improvise within those parameters

Contact Improvisation

Dancers interact with each other, exploring weight, balance, and movement in a spontaneous and collaborative way.

ABA Form

The dance has three sections: an initial section (A), a contrasting middle section (B), and a return to the initial section (A).

Use of Space

Choreography is designed to explore different areas of the performance space, using levels (high, medium, low), directions, and pathways

Formation Changes

Dancers move through various formations, creating visual interest and dynamics.

Syncopation

Choreography incorporates off-beat movements and accents to create rhythmic complexity

Polyrhythms

Different rhythms are layered together, with dancers moving to different beats or tempos simultaneously.

Idea-driven

The dance is based on a conceptual idea, such as exploring the relationship between humans and nature, or the idea of transformation.

Symbolism

Movement and staging are used to represent abstract concepts or symbols

Co-choreography

Multiple choreographers contribute to the dance, each bringing their own style and ideas

Dancer Input

Dancers are involved in the creation process, contributing their own movements and ideas to the choreography.

Technique-based

The dance showcases specific dance techniques or styles, such as ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, or ballroom

Skill Development

Choreography is designed to highlight the technical skills and abilities of the dancers.

Proper Alignment

Ensuring that the body is aligned correctly to avoid injury and maximize movement efficiency

Posture

Maintaining an upright and balanced posture to support movement and expression

Balance and Stability

Center of Gravity

Base of Support

Shifting Weight

Moving the body's weight from one part to another smoothly and efficiently.

Grounding

Feeling connected to the floor and using it to push off and create movement.

Rhythmic Breathing

Coordinating breath with movement to enhance fluidity and expression.

Generating Momentum

Using body weight and muscle force to create and control momentum

Managing Inertia

Understanding how to start, stop, and change direction smoothly.

Extending

Reaching out and elongating the body to create lines and shapes.

Flexing

Bending and folding the body to create contrast and movement variety.

Sequential Movement

Coordinating movements in a sequence to create fluid and connected actions.

Coordination

Harmonizing different parts of the body to move together effectively.

Personal Space

Awareness of the space immediately around the body and how it is used in movement

Dynamics

Varying the intensity, speed, and force of movements to create contrast and interest.

Movement Quality

Exploring different qualities of movement, such as smooth, sharp, light, heavy, sustained, or sudden

Musicality

Coordinating movements with music or rhythm

Pacing

Understanding the timing of movements, including accelerations and decelerations

Flow

Creating smooth transitions between movements.

Continuity

Maintaining a sense of ongoing movement without unnecessary stops or breaks.

Form

refers to the structure and organization of the dance. It includes the overall layout, sequences, patterns, and the spatial and temporal arrangement of movements

Content

encompasses the themes, ideas, emotions, and narratives expressed through the dance. It’s the subject matter or message that the dance conveys

Expressive Capability

The chosen form can enhance or constrain the content. For example, a narrative form is well-suited for storytelling, while an abstract form might better convey emotions or concepts.

Arabesque

A position in which the dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended horizontally behind them

Ballet

A highly technical form of dance with its own vocabulary and set of movements, characterized by grace, precision, and formalized steps.

Chassé

A step in which one foot chases the other, typically used in ballet and jazz.

Choreography

The art of designing and arranging dance movements and sequences

Fouetté

A whipped movement, often referring to a turn in ballet.

Flick

A quick, sharp movement of the foot or leg.

Hip Hop

A dance style characterized by breaking, locking, and popping, originating from street dance.

Isolations

Moving one part of the body while keeping the rest still.

Jazz

A dance style that blends elements of ballet, modern dance, and popular music, often characterized by its rhythmic, energetic movements.

Limbering

Warming up or stretching the muscles to prepare for dance.

Folk dances

have their origins in the customs of certain geographical areas or ethnic groups, frequently use rhythmic movements and music to convey cultural tales or to commemorate social gatherings

Flamenco

a Spanish dance form that has its roots in the Roma (Gypsy) communities of Andalusia. Its performers' determination and sense of ethnic identity are reflected in their complex hand gestures, passionate footwork, and strong emotional expression

Kabuki

a classic Japanese dance genre in which players recreate historical tragedies or supernatural tales using elaborate costumes (kimonos) and exaggerated gestures (mie). Each movement in the performance serves as a visual metaphor for moral dilemmas or societal challenges.

Globalization

has enabled the blending of dance styles and cross-cultural exchange, which has resulted in the creation of new hybrid forms and creative collaborations.

Bollywood Dance

is one example of a fusion dance form that has acquired popularity in international film and cultural festivals. It combines traditional Indian dance components with Western influences like jazz and hip-hop, and its lively choreography, colorful costumes, and cheerful music appeal to people all over the world.

Contemporary dance

uses activism, cultural criticism, and community empowerment as a platform to confront current social and political issues.

Performance

______ in dance can be defined as the ability to perform dance movements and gestures in front of an audience. It is the result of practice, skill, and creativity

Ballet Technique

Includes positions like plié, tendu, and arabesque.

Contemporary Technique

Focuses on fluid movements and body contractions.

Warm-up

Essential exercises to prepare the body.

Costumes

they enhance the performance and character

Stage Presence

Confidence: Building self-assurance through practice and mental preparation.

Audience Engagement: Techniques for connecting with the audience.

Spatial Awareness: Understanding and utilizing the performance space.

Energy and Stamina

Sustaining performance energy throughout the piece.

Cool Down

Essential exercises to help the body recover