Elements of Dance
This element describes how a movement is performed (sharp, smooth, strong, light).
Energy
Moving from one place to another is called this type of movement.
Locomotor
Doing a movement again in the same way.
Repetition
Moving in a zig-zag, straight, or curved pattern describes this concept.
Pathway
Keeping your torso supported and stable while dancing.
Core support
This element describes when movement happens (tempo, rhythm).
Time
Movements that stay in one spot (twist, bend, stretch).
Non-locomotor / Axial
Changing a movement slightly (level, direction, speed).
Variation
Standing tall, kneeling, or lying down represent these three spatial ideas.
High, Middle, Low levels300A group of dancers standing in a line, circle, or diagonal are demonstrating this.Formation400The space around a dancer and how they move within it.Personal/general space500The path a dancer takes through the room is called this.Traveling pathway
Standing tall with proper weight placement and posture.
Alignment
This element describes where movement takes place: pathways, directions, levels.
Space
A short sequence of movements that feel like a unit.
Movement Phrase
Doing a movement phrase backwards.
Retrograde
A group of dancers standing in a line, circle, or diagonal are demonstrating this.
Formation
The feeling or message you want the audience to understand.
Artistic Intent
This element relates to the shape, body parts, and full-body actions used in a dance phrase.
Body
This is a longer combination of phrases with intent and structure.
Dance Study
When two or more dancers take turns responding to each other.
Call and Response
The space around a dancer and how they move within it.
Personal/general space
After watching a dance, using the correct vocabulary to describe what you saw.
Critique / Responding
Name all four Elements of Dance.
Space, time, body, energy
Name three locomotor movements and three non-locomotor movements.
Any correct answer
Listing movements one by one so the phrase gets longer each time.
.Accumulation
The path a dancer takes through the room is called this.
Traveling pathway
The signature characteristics of a particular style or genre (hip-hop, ballet, modern).
Genre/style characteristics