VAPA 1.4 Dance Theory & Interpretation

- Choreography = planned steps; Improvisation = unplanned - Postmodern = rejects narrative; Modern = expressive, grounded - Nondramatic ballet = movement focus; Classical = narrative - Text stimulus = dancing based on a word or idea - Kinesthetic sports = gymnastics, skating Abstract & Expressive Concepts - Abstraction = idea in movement - Creative movement = expressive, nonfunctional - Dance = artistic expression, energy, emotion, culture

Choreography refers to

the steps of a dance as put together for performance

The act of movement without previous planning is called

improvisation

The creation of movement outside traditional modern dance is called

Postmodern dance

In comparison to a dramatic ballet, a nondramatic ballet emphasizes

dancing without telling a story

Dramatic (theatrical) ballet often follows

classical models, based on common themes, precise choreography, and a narrative

Choreography is

A sequence of steps and movements

2 basic patterns in choreography are

Line and set

Line pattern in choreography is commonly used in

Musical theater, or during dance recitals

Set pattern in choreography is commonly used in

Folk dancing, American square dancing

Choreography is the antithesis of individual expression because it is a

well-planned team effort

Modern dance vs. Classical Ballet (Modern)

Wider range of movement, include floor work, emphasizes individual expression

Modern dance vs. Classical Ballet (Classical)

Specific vocabulary of steps, rigid structure.

A key difference between folk dance and social dance (Folk dance)

often passed down through generations and have specific cultural significance

A key difference between folk dance and social dance (Social dance)

recreational, more flexible and contemporary structure

Abstraction

The essence of an idea applied to the art of movement.

Adagio

Slower tempo

Alignment

The way in which various parts of the dancer’s body are in line with one another while the dancer is moving.

Allegro

Quick or lively movements

Arabesque

A pose in which the working leg is extended with a straight knee directly behind the body.

Attitude

Working leg extended behind the body with the knee bent

Choreography is the art of

composing dance

Creative movement

Dance movement that is primary and nonfunctional, with emphasis on body mastery for expressive and communicative purposes.

Dance-pointe

On the ball of the foot, or half toe.

Elevation

The ability to get up into the air and remain there long enough to perform various movements or poses

Extension

Raising the leg to a straightened position with the foot very high above the ground; the ability to lift and hold the leg in position off the ground.

Grand jeté

A leap from one leg to the other in which the working leg is kicked or thrown away from the body and into the air; the pose achieved in the air differs, as does the direction the leap takes.

Grand jeté en tournan (tour jeté)

In this leap, the dancer turns halfway in midair to land facing the direction in which the movement started.

Lifts

A part of pas de deux in which one dancer is lifted off the ground by another.

Line

The arrangement of head, shoulders, arms, torso, and legs while dancing.

Modern dance

Type of creative dance involving specialized movement techniques; emphasis is on expression and communication.

Movement materials

Sequences, motifs, and phrases developed as the choreographed dance.

Pas de deux

Literally, “a step for two”; this refers to a specific codified form that is choreographed in many classical ballets; this is also used to refer to any section of a dance performed by two dancers together.

Pirouette

“To twirl or spin”; a turn on one foot that can be executed outward, away from the body, or inward, toward the body.

Pointe

Dancing on the toes.

Postmodern dance

A term coined in the 1960s by those who wanted to create movement outside the influences of any of the then-traditional modern dance pioneers, such as Cunningham, Graham, Humphrey, Limón, and Taylor.

Promenade

An adagio movement in which the dancer pivots completely around on one foot while maintaining a pose with the working leg.

Spotting

Focusing the eyes on one point in the distance in order to keep balance while turning.