Physical Education and Health 3: Dance Fundamentals

Practice flashcards covering common dance terms, the five elements of dance (Body, Action, Space, Time, Energy), and the five fundamental positions of the arms and feet.

Fundamental positions

A standardized reference point or starting point used for analyzing movement, creating art, or performing dance routines to provide a foundation for complex actions.

Arms in lateral position

A position where both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left, performed at the shoulder, chest, or waist level.

Brush

A movement where weight is on one foot while hitting the floor with the ball or heel of the free foot, which is then lifted in any direction.

Clockwise

Motion like the hands of a clock where the right shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary circle.

Counterclockwise

The reverse direction of clockwise where the left shoulder is toward the center of an imaginary circle.

Do-si-do

A movement of foreign origin where vis-à-vis (opposites) advance, pass each other's right side, step across, and move backward without turning to their proper places.

Free foot

The foot that is not bearing the weight of the body.

Free hand

The hand that is not placed anywhere or not performing a specific action.

Hands on waist

The action of placing hands at the waistline.

Hop

A spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or in any direction, with the other foot raised.

Inside foot

The foot nearest to one's partner when standing side by side.

Inside hand

The hand nearest to one's partner when standing side by side.

Jump

A spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction.

Outside foot

The foot away from one's partner when standing side by side.

Outside hand

The hand away from one's partner when standing side by side.

Body

A dance element referring to the physical form, posture, alignment, and the use of specific parts like arms, legs, head, and torso.

Action

Moves and steps performed by dancers, ranging from basic steps like walking and jumping to complex choreography.

Space

The area in which a dancer moves, including dimensions like height, width, and depth, as well as levels and directions.

Time

An element involving rhythm, tempo, and duration, where dancers manipulate speed and use pauses or holds.

Energy

The quality and dynamics of movement involving the use of force, flow, and tension, executed with sharpness or smoothness.

First Position (Arms)

Arms are raised into a circle in front of the chest with fingertips at least $1\,\text{inch}$ apart.

Second Position (Arms)

Arms are opened sideward at shoulder level.

Third Position (Arms)

One arm is raised above the head while the other maintains the second position.

Fourth Position (Arms)

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

Fifth Position (Arms)

Both arms are lifted above the head in a slightly curved posture similar to the first position.

First Position (Feet)

Heels are brought together to touch while toes stay away from each other to form a V-shape.

Second Position (Feet)

One foot moves sideward so feet are parallel and maintain a distance of about $12\,\text{inches}$.

Third Position (Feet)

The heel of one foot is brought to touch the arch of the other foot with both feet turned outward.

Fourth Position (Feet)

One foot is put forward while the other retains its position, with a distance of about $12\,\text{inches}$ between them.

Fifth Position (Feet)

The heel of the front foot is brought to touch the toe of the other with both feet pointing outward.