Dance GCSE Skills

Physical skills

Skills to perform movement accurately and safely

Alignment

Correct placement of body parts in relation to each other

balance

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

control

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

Coordination

The efficient combination of body parts

Extension

Lengthening one or more muscles or limbs

Flexibility

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

isolation

An independent movement of part of the body

mobility

The range of movement in a joint; the ability to move fluently from action to action

posture

the way the body is held

stamina

Ability to maintain physical and mental energy over periods of time

strength

muscular power

expressive skills

Aspects that contribute to performance artistry and that engage the audience

facial expression

Use of the face to show mood, feeling or character

focus (use of)

Use of the eyes to enhance performance or interpretative qualities

projection

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

musicality

The ability to make the unique qualities of the accompaniment evident in performance

phrasing

The way in which the energy is distributed in the execution of a movement phrase

sensitivity to other dancers

Awareness of and connection to other dancers

spatial awareness

Consciousness of the surrounding space and its effective use

communication of choreographic intent

The ability to communicate the aim of the dance; including mood(s), meaning(s), idea(s), theme(s) and/or style/style fusion(s).

technical skills

the dancer's ability to accurately execute movements

action content

what the dancer does; e.g. turn, travel, elevation, gesture, stillness, floor work, transfer of weight, use of different body parts

spatial content

The "where" of movement such as levels, directions, pathways, shapes, designs and patterns.

dynamic content

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

relationship content

The ways in which dancers interact; the connections between dancers. e.g. lead and follow, mirroring, action & reaction, accumulation, compliment/ contrast, counterpoint, contact, formations

mental skills (IN REHEARSAL)

Mental dedication to process of elements in dance training

systematic repetition

repeating a section over and over again with an aim to improve a particular skill

mental rehearsal

Going through the dance in your mind

rehearsal discipline

Behaviour and attitude during rehearsals

planning of rehearsal

Planning what will be carried out, where, when, how and who is involved

response to feedback

seeking feedback from others and responding and acting on the feedback appropriately

capacity to improve

understanding that there is always room for improvement and seeking ways to do so

mental skills (IN PERFORMANCE)

Attributes and skills required for refining performance

movement memory

The ability to remember matters of dance: actions, space, dynamics and relationships

commitment

the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity

concentration

Exclusive attention to one object; close mental application

confidence

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

Rhythmic Content

Repeated patterns of sound or movement

Stylistically Accurate

Characteristic way of dancing

Timing

The use of time or counts when matching movements and/or other dancers