Elements of Rhythm, Time Signatures, and Fundamental Body Movements

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the elements of rhythm, time signatures, note values, locomotor and non-locomotor movements, and fundamental dance positions.

Rhythm

The regular recurrence of accented and unaccented beats.

Rhythms

A term denoting an aspect of a quality of movement that is sometimes thought of as dance.

Beat

The underlying pulse of a rhythm.

Tempo

The rate of speed of a movement.

Prestissimo

A tempo marking defined as very very fast ($>200\,\text{bpm}$).

Allegro

A tempo marking defined as fast ($120\text{--}168\,\text{bpm}$).

Adagio

A tempo marking defined as slow and stately ($66\text{--}76\,\text{bpm}$).

Grave

A tempo marking defined as slow and solemn ($20\text{--}40\,\text{bpm}$).

Intensity

The variation of stress of movement, indicating how loud or soft the musical piece is.

Pitch

The lowness or highness of a tone.

Accent

The emphasis placed on certain beats.

Bar

In music, a vertical line across a staff dividing it into equal measures of time.

Measure

A group of pulse beats.

Meter

The regular recurrence of beats which divides a musical design into measures.

Phrase

Measures grouped together.

Count

A pulse beat or time limit.

Note Pattern

Refers to a note or set of notes with or without rest used for a certain dance step.

Step Pattern

Refers to the movement or movements done for each of the dance steps.

Time Signature

A symbol placed on the staff where the top number indicates beats per measure and the bottom number indicates what kind of note receives one beat.

Time Signature Top Number

Indicates how many beats are in each measure.

Time Signature Bottom Number

Indicates what kind of note receives one beat.

Whole Note

A printed symbol of a musical tone that receives $4\text{ beats}$ of sounding time.

Half Note

A printed symbol of a musical tone that receives $2\text{ beats}$ of sounding time.

Quarter Note

A printed symbol of a musical tone that receives $1\text{ beat}$ of sounding time.

Quarter Rest

A musical symbol representing $1\text{ beat}$ of rest or silence.

Whole Rest

A musical symbol representing $4\text{ beats}$ of rest or silence.

Locomotor Movement

Movement in which a person travels from one location to another.

Non-Locomotor Movement

Movements that do not involve traveling from one place to another.

Walk

A locomotor movement using the feet to advance by steps.

Run

A locomotor movement to move fast by using the feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time.

Hop

A locomotor movement where a person springs off 1 foot and lands on the same foot, vertically or horizontally.

Jump

A locomotor movement taking off from 1 or 2 feet and landing on 2 feet, vertically or horizontally.

Leap

A locomotor movement taking off from 1 foot, covering a large distance, and landing on the other foot.

Gallop

A locomotor movement with feet facing forward, stepping forward and closing with the trail foot in a chasing motion.

Skip

A locomotor movement consisting of stepping forward and hopping on that foot while bringing the other foot forward to step, hop, and switch.

Slide

A locomotor movement consisting of stepping to the side, closing with the other foot, and stepping to the side again.

Stretch

A non-locomotor movement extending the limbs, muscles, or the entire body.

Bend

A non-locomotor movement that causes the formation of a curve.

Turn

A non-locomotor movement involving partial or full rotation of the body while shifting the base of support.

Push

A non-locomotor movement where force is applied to try to move an object away by pressure.

Pull

A non-locomotor movement where force is exerted on an object to move it towards the source of force.

Sway

A non-locomotor movement to swing unsteadily or rock by moving back and forth sideways.

Pivot

A non-locomotor movement to turn or rotate like a hinge by placing one foot forward and turning to complete the rotation.

First Arm Position

Arms raised into a circle in front of chest, hands aligned, arms slightly curved, and fingertips at least $1\text{ inch}$ apart.

Second Arm Position

Arms opened sideward at shoulder level.

Third Arm Position

One arm raised above the head slightly curved, while the other arm maintains second position.

Fourth Arm Position

One arm raised forward in front of the chest as in first position, while the other arm is lifted above the head.

Fifth Arm Position

Both arms lifted above the head, slightly curving, maintaining a posture similar to first position raised overhead.

First Feet Position

Feet forming a V-shape with heels touching while toes are kept away from each other.

Second Feet Position

One foot moved sideward so feet are parallel to each other maintaining a distance of about $12\text{ inches}$.