Dance Elements
Dance Styles and Purposes
Theater: On Stage
Theater: Behind the Scenes
Miscellaneous
100

This element is defined as "the instrument of dance" 

What is the body? 

100

This American style of dance has the distinct feature of a "caller" who determines the next set of actions. 

What is square dancing? 

100

This is a person who portrays a character on stage. 

What is an actor/actress? 

100

This person leads rehearsals and guides the actors. 

Who is the director? 

100

This is a category of action where the dancer moves directionally across the floor.

What is locomotor? 

200

This is a specific movement. 

What is action? 

200

This style of dance originated in Italy and was further developed in France. It typically is used to tell a story. 

What is ballet? 

200

Stage left, stage right, center stage, downstage

What are stage directions? 

200

This is the run through of a production for the purpose of learning and memorizing. 

What is rehearsal? 

200

Wedding dances, coming of age dances, and war dances all fit into this purpose. 

What is ceremonial/ritual? 

300

This element describes how a body moves through the environment. 

What is space? 

300

The galliard, branle, and pavane were all popular dances during this era. 

What is the Renaissance? 

300

This is a speech, spoken by one character. 

What is a monologue? 

300

These are the directions for where actors stand on stage at any given point in a production.

What is blocking? 

300

School dances fit into this purpose. 

What is entertainment/recreational? 

400

This element describes the speed of the body, especially in relation so the music. 

What is time? 

400

This American style is closely related to tap and Irish step dancing. 

What is Appalachian mountain dancing?

400

These are objects used on stage during a performance. 

What are props?

400

These are the final run throughs of a production before presenting them to an audience. 

What is a dress rehearsal? 

400

This is a kind of story that ends with death, or destruction. It originated in Ancient Greece. 

What is a tragedy?

500

Heavy, light, sharp, delicate, strong, etc. 

What is energy?

500

This style of partner dance is done to music in 3/4 time and is most popular in the Viennese style. 

What is the waltz? 

500

Quick! You are on stage and are asked to move down stage. This is the direction you move. 

What is forward, towards the audience? 

500

This kind of acting occurs without a script or lines. 

What is improvisation? 

500

This was the event in Athens where playwrites completed for the best plays.

What is the festival for Dionysus?