BATAAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

SPECIAL PROGRAM IN THE ARTS

DANCE 7

I. ELEMENTS OF DANCE

The elements of dance are central to the study of dance. They are intrinsic to dance
performance as the dancer moves through time and space with dynamics at all times.
They are the tools that are employed by the dance composer to communicate ideas
and feelings through dance. They become the links between the composition and
the performance of non- locomotor and locomotor combinations, phrases,
sequences, and dances. The elements of dance also provide a basis for the analysis
of student performances, compositions, and dance work of art.

A. SPACE- refers to the personal, general and performance space used by the
dancing body. Movement of the body makes space visible. Aspects of space
include:

1. Level- high, medium, low

2. Dimension- small, large, narrow, wide, two and three dimensions

3. Direction- forward, backward, sideways, diagonal, up, down

4. Planes- frontal, sagittal, transverse

5. Shape- the positioning of the body or group of bodies in space, eg curved,

straight, angular, twisted, symmetrical, asymmetrical

6. Pathways/floor patterns- the course on the floor or ground along which the
dancer/s move/s, e.g. straight, curved, zigzag, spiral, circle;
7. Air patterns- the patterns a dancer makes in space, e.g. circular arm patterns

General space- the dance area

Personal space- the space around the dancer’s body, including levels, planes
and directions

Performance space- the area where the dancer is performed, e.g. traditional,
non- traditional, areas of strength/weakness on a stage.

B. TIME- all movement encompasses time. Musical terminology is used to

describe temporal qualities of dance. Aspects of time include:

1. Metre- the basic grouping of beats in a recurring pattern, including time

signatures (even 2/4, ¾, 4/4, 6/8; uneven 5/4, 7/8), changing combination

2. Tempo- the relative speed at which a dance phrase or composition is to be

performed: slow, medium, fast; accelerating, decelerating

3. Accent- an emphasis or stress, a strong movement or gesture

MARIA CRISTINA Z. REYES Third Quarter

Teacher III, Dance Specialist Week 1
 BATAAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
SPECIAL PROGRAM IN THE ARTS
DANCE 7

4. Phrasing- how movement is organized with a sense of rhythmic completion

5. Rhythmic patterns- the variety pattern of the beat: simple, complex, regular,
irregular, natural rhythms

6. Stillness- is not inaction, rather waiting with a sense of ongoingness.

C. DYNAMICS- refers to the application of force overtime, which produces

certain qualities. Aspects of dynamics include:

1. Release of energy- how movement is initiated or projected into space

2. Weight/force/time- how the movement is performed utilizing body weight,

degree of force in time

3. Qualities of movement- how force is used: sustained, percussive, suspended,

swinging, collapsing, vibratory.

D. RELATIONSHIPS- refers to an element of movement that is fundamental to

dance creation, performance, and appreciation. In combination with the elements of
dance and body, relationships refer to the way the body relates to individuals,
groups, and objects; with whom or what the body moves. Aspects of relationships
include:

1. Grouping- connected, apart; solo, duet, ensemble; formations/group shape

2. Spatial relationships- over, under, around, side-by-side, supported, near, far

3. Interaction between and sensitivity to other dancers- leading, following,

mirroring, canon, parting.

MARIA CRISTINA Z. REYES Third Quarter

Teacher III, Dance Specialist Week 1