PEH 4

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, definitions, history, and prominent figures of Modern, Contemporary, and Ballroom Dance from the lecture transcript.

Ballet

A formal technique that developed from court dance throughout the Italian Renaissance and became popular through the support of Catherine de’ Medici.

Catherine de’ Medici

A member of one of the richest non-royal families in Europe who fostered the advancement of ballet.

Modern Dance

A dance type that emerged between 1900 and 1950 as a distinct alternative to formalized traditional stage dancing like ballet.

Isadora Duncan

Known as the Mother of Modern Dance, who stated that "Dance is the movement of the universe concentrated in an individual".

Martha Graham

Known as the Mother of Modern American Dance, whose technique is built around respiration, movement, contraction, and release of muscles.

Contraction

The tightening or inward pulling of the abdominal and chest muscles to express tension, emotion, or inner feelings in dance.

Release

The release of muscular tension, allowing the body to move freely and naturally.

Breathing (Modern Dance)

The primary source of energy, rhythm, and emotional expression in movement.

Floor Work

Movements performed on or close to the floor as an essential part of modern dance technique.

Expressive Movement

Movement performed with the explicit intention of communicating emotions, ideas, or a story.

Contemporary Dance

A dance category derived from modern dance structure and fundamental steps of ballet, jazz, and lyrical, performed barefooted or with lyrical shoes to almost any music style.

Merce Cunningham

A former student of Martha Graham inspired by John Cage, considered the father of contemporary dance for incorporating random movements and modifying formal dance techniques.

Theme

The basic dance element that conveys the messages of movement.

Design

The dance pattern of movement in space and time.

Technique

The movement of the performer showing his or her skills.

Costume and Body Paraphernalia

Things worn by a performer that convey the messages of the dance.

Choreography

An organized routine composed of different figures and steps.

Scenery

A set of realistic background where the performers execute dances.

Ballroom Dance

A type of social dance performed by two partners following specific steps and movements in time with music, which originated in European royal courts during the 16th century.

Dance Sport

A competitive form of ballroom dancing conducted in front of judges according to required dance styles.

Cha-Cha

A lively Latin dance known for its fun vibe, quick footwork, and distinctive quick triple step rhythm.

Enrique Jorrín

The Cuban composer and violinist who developed the Cha-Cha in the early 1950s.

Bolero

A slow, romantic ballroom dance characterized by smooth flowing turns and elegant movements, originating in 18th-century Spain.

Maurice Ravel

A classical composer who created a famous musical work inspired by the Bolero.

Merengue

A simple and upbeat dance originating in 19th-century Dominican Republic featuring marching-like steps and continuous hip movement, later becoming the country's national dance.

Rumba

A slow, romantic Latin dance originating in 19th-century Cuba that emphasizes smooth movements and emotional expression.

Swing

A fast and energetic partner dance featuring lively footwork, spins, and playful movements, developed in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s.