DE VEYRA, Gia Allona P.

Art Appreciation

BSN – 1B 9/12/18

ELEMENTS OF DANCE

1. Step Pattern – is the combination of the steps put together to create mini
sequences. These sequences can then be linked to create routines or
variations.
2. Footwork – is the action in which we use the foot to create the technical
element of the dance. For example heel, toe actions commonly used in the
smooth and standard dances to create rise and fall. Ball, flat footwork
commonly used in the rhythm and Latin dances.
3. Timing – is the beats of the music we move our feet to. For example a
box step can be danced in waltz to a 1, 2, 3, timing. This is the feet being
placed on the floor to those specific beats. A box step can also be danced
in rumba but with a slow, quick timing, making the 2 dances very
different in appearance. All dances have their own unique timing.
4. Lead – is what the gentleman is doing to maneuver the lady around the
floor and through changes of direction within step patterns. Follow is the
lady reacting to the man’s lead. The lead and follow element is
paramount to 2 people ultimately moving as a 1 in harmony.
5. Style – is the element that is added to create the character of each
individual dance. This can be done through hip action, arm style, body
position, and movement across the floor. It can be grace and elegance
common for waltz, the staccato action common for Tango or even the
sexy hip action used in most Latin dances. Although style is the icing on
 the cake to create the “Look” it is achieved by the technical elements in
1-4.
6. Continuity – is the ability to maintain the consistency of the dance.
Whether it be to link the step patterns together with ease or maintain the
timing of the dance throughout the music or even be consistent with the
correct footwork we all aim to achieve that perfect dance performance. A
perfect dance performance is ultimately unrealistic but to become as
consistent as possible is definitely a good feeling and will build
confidence in your dancing.