Elements of Dance

elements of dance
by prof. alicante
Dance Defines...
+ as an art form that generally refers to movement of
the body, usually rhythmic and music, used as a form
of expression, social interaction or presented in a
spiritual or performance setting.
+ as an art that uses non- verbal movement in an
ordinary way to create a form, order, or statement
+ as movement that transcends function and
becomes communication.
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ELEMENTS OF DANCE
 Space
 Energy
 Time
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Space
Encompasses the overall design
of movement- where it takes place
in the space, as well as its size and
shape.
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THE ELEMENTS OF SPACE
+ - Refers to all the overall design of movement.

+ - Both the shapes bodies make, and how the performing
space is filled with bodies in motion.
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“
1. Size describes the range of shapes and movements

from small to big. In the whole body warm-up,
students extend their bodies into a big shape and
make the small shape by contracting all their
muscles. Travelling steps in all sizes. Students may
take very small steps that look like tiny; they may
take very large steps in giant, reaching lunges.
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“
2. Level describes how high or low movement takes

place in relation to the ground. The students will
explore their personal space by reaching their arms
to the top (high), and to the bottom (low). In a normal
standing position, they are at medium level.
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“
3. Shape refers to the designs the body makes in the

space. (e.g. curved, straight).
4. Directions refer to both the directions of the body

and the directions in the space. Directions of the body
are determined by how you are facing. The front, back,
and sides of the body lead us in motion.
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“
5. Pathway refers to the design of the path made by

body parts or the whole body while travelling through
space. (e.g. straight, curved, circular, zigzag).
6. Relationships describe our proximity to people and

things. Students can move near each other in a small
place and can be apart to each other in a bigger place.
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energy
(also called Force) involves the
flow of motion- how movements are
animated by kinetic energy in
distinctive ways.
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“
THE ELEMENTS OF ENERGY
+ (also known as force) gives movement

varying degrees of expressive intensity by
how it is released in motion.
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“
1. Force is the amount of energy expended in the

movement. It can be strong, as exhibited in the punch, or
light, as expressed in a floating movement.
(e.g. strong or weak energy)
2. Weight reflects our relationship to gravity. (e.g. heavy

or light movements)
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“
1. Force is the amount of energy expended in the movement. It can

be strong, as exhibited in the punch, or light, as expressed in a
floating movement.
(e.g. strong or weak energy)
2. Weight reflects our relationship to gravity. (e.g. heavy or light

movements)
3. Quality refers to the flow of energy in movement. (e.g. smooth,
sharp or swing).
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“
4. Stillness refers to the absence of visible motion.
 Active stillness does not move but it’s still filled with energy.
Active stillness is the energy we use when engaging in freeze
action.
 Passive stillness refers to the absence of motion and animating
energy. Letting all the energy drain out of the body while either
sitting or lying down and let the students relax and refocus their
energy.
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time
includes how fast or slows of the
movement.
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“
THE ELEMENTS OF TIME
+ refers to how fast or slow

movement is, and how it
unfolds rhythmically
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“
THE ELEMENTS OF TIME
1. Speed is like tempo in music and refers to the rate

at which movements occur. (e.g. slow, fast, accelerate
and decelerate)
2. Rhythm is the underlying pattern that gives order

to music and dance.
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GENRES OF DANCE
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GENRES OF DANCE
+ Ballet
+ Modern dance
+ Contemporary dance
+ Hip-hop
+ Ballroom dance
+ Folkdance
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Ballet
+ an art form created by the
movement of the human body. It is
theatrical – performed on a stage to
an audience utilizing costumes, scenic
design and lighting. It can tell a story
or express a thought, concept or
emotion.
+ Ballet dance can be magical, exciting,
provoking or disturbing.
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Modern Dance
+ Born in the early 20th century, modern
dance is a dance style that focuses on
a dancer's own interpretations instead
of structured steps, as in traditional
ballet dancing.
+ Modern dancers reject the limitations
of classical ballet and favor
movements derived from the
expression of their inner feelings
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Contemporary Dance
+ a style of expressive dance that
combines elements of
several dance genres including modern,
jazz, lyrical and classical ballet.
+ Contemporary dancers strive to

connect the mind and the body
through fluid dance movements.
22
Hiphop
+ refers to street dance styles primarily
performed to hip-hop music or that
have evolved as part of hip-hop culture.
It includes a wide range of styles
primarily breaking which was created
in the 1970s and made popular
by dance crews in the United States.
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Ballroom dance
+ a partnership dance where couples,
using step-patterns, move
rhythmically, expressing the
characteristics of music. Ballroom
dancing consists of two styles: the
Smooth, or Standard, and the Rhythm,
or Latin. The Smooth, Standard style
focuses on the elegance, grace and
fluidity of movement.
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folkdance
a dance developed by
people that reflect the life
of the people of a certain
country or region.
25
Thanks!
Any questions?
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elements of dance

+ - Refers to all the overall design of movement.

1. Size describes the range of shapes and movements

2. Level describes how high or low movement takes

3. Shape refers to the designs the body makes in the

4. Directions refer to both the directions of the body

5. Pathway refers to the design of the path made by

6. Relationships describe our proximity to people and

+ (also known as force) gives movement

1. Force is the amount of energy expended in the

2. Weight reflects our relationship to gravity. (e.g. heavy

1. Force is the amount of energy expended in the movement. It can

2. Weight reflects our relationship to gravity. (e.g. heavy or light

4. Stillness refers to the absence of visible motion.

+ refers to how fast or slow

1. Speed is like tempo in music and refers to the rate

2. Rhythm is the underlying pattern that gives order

+ Contemporary dancers strive to

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