CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS

QUARTER 1 – LESSON 6
Elements of Dance
There are 5 Elements of Dance, which can be remembered through their abbreviation, BASTE, which stands
for body, action, space, time, and energy.

1. Body refers to the what is being used to perform. This includes all parts, shapes and figures made by the
body, and their relationship with the other elements. When analyzing the body, one may identify what body
parts were used; Is it an individual part or the whole body? Or it may be a several parts or a whole system (e.g.
muscles, bones, and breathing). Another aspect to analyze is its shape, whether it is symmetrical or
asymmetrical, straight, rounded, or twisted.

2. Action pertains to the movements that the dancer performs, which includes the dance steps, facial
expressions, and gestures. It can either be part of the choreography or the dancer may improvise or add
additional movements to the routine. Action is divided into two: locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
Locomotor movements are actions wherein the body travels from one location to another (e.g. walking,
running, hopping), while non-locomotor movements do not cause the body to move to another space (e.g.
twist, bend, stretch).

3. Space is the relationship of the dancer to another dancer and the area where the dance occurs. The space
can be analyzed through the place where the dancer is, whether they are dancing on a spot (personal space)
or through the space (general space). It can also be described by the size of the space being used (i.e. small,
large, narrow, wide). Their proximity to other dancers or objects is also considered (near or far), as well their
positioning (e.g. in front, behind, beside).

4. Time is the rhythm, metered or free, in dance. This includes the timing of actions and patterns. Time is
divided into three kinds: clock time, sensed time, and event-sequence. Clock time is based on units of seconds,
minutes, and/or hours. Sensed time is moving based on others’ timing (e.g. waving only after another dancer
waves). And event-sequence is triggered by internal or external signals (e.g. cheerleaders change cheers if the
team is in offense or defense in sports).

5. Lastly, energy is how dance movements happen. This helps convey the emotion of the routine. For example,
a dance meant to be gentle is slow, whereas an exciting dance is usually fast and has swift movements.
Additionally, a routine can be described through the energy qualities, such as wild, light, timid, smooth, tight,
loose, etc.