Dance Interview Preparation Notes

Interview Overview

  • Students will verbally answer questions related to core performance dance post-performance.

  • Duration of interview: 5 minutes.

  • Questions drawn from the Stage 6 syllabus.

Key Concepts from Stage 6 Syllabus

I. Dance Technique

1. Body Skills

  • Body awareness: Understanding body movements and their effects.

  • Principles of alignment/body placement: Correct positioning for optimal performance.

  • Body articulation: Refinement of moving body parts separately or together.

  • Axial movement: Movement around the body axis, maintaining center of gravity.

  • Locomotor movement: Movements that travel through space (e.g., walking, running).

  • Turns: Different types of turns and their execution in dance.

  • Falls: Controlled descents used in choreography.

  • Balance: Ability to maintain a stable position.

  • Control: Managing body movements skillfully.

  • Elevation: Rising into the air during movement.

  • Kinaesthetic awareness: Perception of body position and movement.

2. Sequencing (locomotor and non-locomotor)

  • Combinations, phrases, and sequences: Structured patterns of movement.

  • Temporal variations: Different timing in movements.

  • Dynamic variations: Changes in force and energy during performance.

3. Safe Dance Practice

  • Warm-up/cool-down: Importance of preparing and recovering the body.

  • Stretching: Techniques to enhance flexibility and prevent injury.

  • Alignment: Maintaining correct posture and positioning.

  • Body awareness/limitations: Knowing one’s physical capabilities and limits.

  • Injuries and treatments: Understanding risks and management strategies.

  • Prevention: Practices to sustain physical health.

II. Dance Technique Applied to Dance Performance

1. Elements of Dance as they Relate to Performance

  • Space:

    • Levels: High, medium, low.

    • Direction: Forward, backward, sideways.

    • Pathways/floor patterns: The route taken during movement.

    • Spatial relationships: Proximity and interaction with other dancers.

    • Dimension: Size of movements.

    • Shape: Form created by the body in space.

  • Time:

    • Accent: Emphasis on certain beats or movements.

    • Rhythm: Pattern of movement in time.

    • Metre: Structure of beats (e.g., 4/4, 3/4).

    • Phrasing: Grouping of movements.

    • Duration: Length of movements in time.

    • Tempo: Speed of the movement.

    • Momentum: Continuation of motion.

    • Stillness: Pauses and their impact on choreography.

  • Dynamics:

    • Release of energy: How energy is expressed in movement.

    • Weight/force: The heaviness or lightness of movements.

2. Performance Quality

  • Control/variation of dynamics: Mastery over strength and softness in movement.

  • Quality of line: Aesthetic appeal of the body's form and position.

  • Projection: Communicating emotions and intentions through performance.

  • Kinaesthetic awareness: Continuous understanding and adjustment of physical state while dancing.

Examples of Body Skills in Dance

  1. Body Awareness: Understanding how your body moves when performing a pirouette, knowing the implications of your body positioning on balance and execution.

  2. Principles of Alignment/Body Placement: Correctly aligning your spine and pelvis when executing a grand plié to prevent injury and optimize movement.

  3. Body Articulation: Isolating your shoulders while performing a shoulder shimmy to create a dynamic effect in your movement.

  4. Axial Movement: Rotating around your center while performing a static pose, such as in a standing balance.

  5. Locomotor Movement: Traveling across the stage while performing a series of jazz walks.

  6. Turns: Executing a fouetté turn, focusing on spotting to maintain balance and control.

  7. Falls: Performing a controlled fall to the floor in a modern dance piece, ensuring safety by rolling through your back.

  8. Control: Smoothly transitioning between movements in a dance sequence, such as from a jumping jack to a plié.

  9. Elevation: Jumping into the air with a tuck jump, demonstrating height and grace in your movement.

  10. Kinaesthetic Awareness: Noticing when your weight shifts during a sequence, allowing for adjustments to maintain balance and

Balance: C LINE - acrobatic movements like running in the transfer of weight exercise, articulating in the feet. Stretching, pigeon, gastrocnemius stretch, building strength. Adage, focusing on balancing. Stretching your foot in the swishing. Patella over your phalanges, on a straight supporting leg, your six external rotators should be turned out, the working leg is bent, and the knee should be directly behind your hip. Engage your latissimus dorsi. Torso is off centre on a narrow basis of support. Glutes and hamstrings are engaging to be able to lift the working leg to point the foot.