1. GCSE Dance: Key Dance terms
Action
What the dancer is doing e.g Turn, roll etc
Space
Where the dancer is doing it
Dynamics
How the dancer is doing it
Relationships
With whom/what the dancer is doing it
Motif
A short sequence of movements joined together
Motif Development
Changing or developing the movements/ideas in a motif
Dance style
Type of dance
Rehearsal strategies 1
Use of mirrors (check alignment and timing) 2
Recording / self assessment (watching back dance pieces to find improvement) 3
Peer assessment (Watching and giving others points to improve) 4
Rehearsing the dance slowly 5
Rehearsing without music (working on counts) 6
Rehearsing the process of lifting and supporting partners.
Technical skills 1
Alignment: Positioning of the body parts in relation to the whole body. 2
Balance: The ability to hold your weight over a certain point for a period of time. 3
Posture: The correct position of holding your body when sitting or standing. 4
Flexibility: The range of movement in muscles. 5
Stamina: Ability to work the body for long periods of time without tiring. 6
Co-ordination: Controlling many moving parts of the body at the same time 7
Strength: Muscular power – the amount of force muscles can exert. 8
Control: Having the muscular strength to perform actions with skill. 9
Extension: Stretching the limbs out to the maximum reach.
Expressive skills 1
Focus: The dancers sightline (how and where the dancer looks) 2
Musicality: A dancers sensitivity to the rhythm, melodies and tempo in the music. 3
Projection: When the dancers project energy and power up and outwards. 4
Emphasis: Highlighting particular movements / steps 5
Communication of choreographic intent: Understanding the mood and meaning of the dance and being able to communicate this to the audience. 6
Accurate interpretation of style/steps