The Elements of Dance Space ~ Time ~ Force

What is the purpose of dance? First, think of the purpose of paintings, short stories, poems, etc. The purpose of dance, like all art forms, is to convey a message or to present an idea for a particular purpose.

Tools of Art What tools and/or strategies does an artist use to make images purposeful? What tools and/or strategies does a writer use to make books more meaningful?

The Elements of Dance The elements of dance are tools that allow choreographers and performers to bring their visions to fruition.

Space Space is where the body moves. As dancers move through space, their bodies create patterns on the floor and in the air. These spatial designs are an integral part of dance, giving dancers a purposeful reason for moving.

Space: The Body The Body is the instrument of dance. Just as a painter paints with a brush, in dance it is through the body that movements appear.

Space: The Body Whole Body Body parts—head, arms, knees, etc. Body zones—body areas of front, back, left side, and right side Body bases—whatever supports the rest of the body; for example, when kneeling the base is the knees

Space: Personal Personal space is also called kinesphere. Personal space is reached while stationary.

Space: General General Space is the space shared by all. It reaches beyond personal space.

Space: Locomotor Walk: One foot is always in contact with the floor. Run: Neither foot is on the ground at some point in the movement. Hop: A transfer of weight by a springing from one foot to the same foot.

Space: Locomotor Leap: Like a run, but you stay in the air longer. Skip: A skip is a combination of a step and a hop on the same foot, so the leading foot alternates. Gallop: A combination of a step and leap so that the same foot is always leading. Slide: A close sideward step, with the same foot always leading.

Space: Non-Locomotor: Movement in One Place Balance: move all body parts away from its center Bend: closing up at body joints Stretch: opening up of body joints Push: bending or stretching with illusion of resistance. Swing and Sway: a shifting of weight right to the point of falling, and a controlled shifting of weight.

Space: Shape Shape is the design of the body’s position. Aspects of shape are open/closed; symmetrical/asymmetrical; angular/curved

Space: Directions, Pathways, and Focus Directions are forward, backward, sideways, up, and down. Pathways are the straight and curved designs made in the air or on the floor by the person’s movement. Focus is where the eyes are directed. At this point, what the dance scene in Napoleon Dynamite. Ask student to find examples of space in the film clip.

Force/Energy Force/Energy describes the muscular tension used to move.

Force/Energy Tension: feels hard and tight Release: feels soft and loose Free flow: When energy is released freely (Jazz) Bound flow: When energy release is controlled (ballet) At this point, watch the barn dance scene in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Discuss the use of force as you watch the film clip.

Time Beat: The underlying pulse Tempo: slow to fast Even rhythm: movements of equal duration Uneven rhythm: movements of unequal duration Tempo: slow to fast Duration: The length of time the movement lasts At this point, watch the umbrella and rain dance in Singin’ in the Rain. Discuss the use of time during this film clip.

The Purposes of Dance

Ceremonial This is dance that is associated with a religious or cultural ceremony. African and Native American Dances are considered Ceremonial.

Recreational Dance done as a means of social entertainment. Examples would be the foxtrot, waltz, jitterbug, and cha-cha.

Artistic Involves serious training and artistic expression. Examples would be Ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theater.