Dance: Section A - performance skills

Alignment

correct placement of body parts in relation to each other

balance

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

coordination

the efficient combination of body parts

control

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

flexibility

the range of movements in the joints including muscles, tendons and ligaments

mobility

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

strength

muscular power

stamina

the ability to maintain physical and mental energy over a period of time

extension

lengthening of one or more muscles or limbs

isolation

the independant movement of a part of the body

posture

the way the body is held

actions

what a dancer does; travel, turn, elevation, gesture, stillness, floorwork and transference of weight

dynamics

the qualities of movement based upon variations of speed, strength and flow

space

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

relationship

the ways in which dancers interact; lead and follow, mirroring, contact, accumulation, contrast, counterpoint and formations

timing

the use of time or counts when matching movements to music or other dancers

rythmic content

use of patterns and repetition

style

characteristic way of dancing

projection

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

focus

use of eyes to enhance performance or interpretive qualities

spacial awareness

consciousness of the surrounding space and its effective use

facial expression

the use of face to show mood, feeling or character

phrasing

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

musicality

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

sensitivity to other dancers

awareness of and connection to other dancers

communication of choreographic intent

the ability to communicate the aim of the dance including mood, meaning, idea, theme and style

movement memory

the ability to remember matters of the dance eg. actions, space dynamics and relationships

commitment

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

concentration

exclusive attention to one thing. close mental application

confidence

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