TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF

DANCE
-SUBIKSHA SUNDARARAMAN
18SDMB01
 WHAT ARE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF
DANCE?

 Physical visual elements that enhance a dance performance.

 Amplify the quality and presentation of movement.
 All components that exclude the dancer and dancing body
 Backbone of a dance presentation
  MUSIC

 COSTUME AND MAKEUP

 STAGE AND SET DESIGN

 LIGHTING
MUSIC COMPOSITION

 Music is the source and inspiration of movement.

 Gives meaning and purpose to dance.
 Music composition requires a knowledge and understanding of
the musicality of dance.
 Knowledge and control of rhythm and raga
 The emotional qualities and sentimental instigations possible
through music.
COSTUME AND MAKE UP

 Costume is the attire that gives life to a character of dance.

 Makeup is the use of colourful cosmetics and prosthetics to
enhance the beauty of the dancer or define a character.
 Two major categories : character makeup, costuming and
general dance makeup and costuming
• CHARACTER MAKEUP

 Must reflect the nature and appearance of the character.

 Realistic and natural
 Must coincide with the costume
 As believable as possible.
• GENERAL DANCE MAKEUP

 Emphasis is on the highlighting features of the dancer.

 It must not change the person’s features and appearance.
 Dance make up lays importance on eye-makeup.
 Makeup should blend in with the natural colour of skin of the
dancer.
STAGE

 Left and right on

Stage are that of
Left Centre Right
Up Up The artiste’s.
Up
 Down stage is
Left Centre Right closer to the audience.
Middle Middle Middle
 Proscenium arch is
Left Centre Right present after down
Down Middle Down stage limits.
SET DESIGN

 Design refers to the pattern, structure, colour and purpose of

something and the process of achieving it.
 There are 6 components of design
1. Colour
2. Line
3. Texture
4. Space
5. Mass
6. Rhythm
 Colour – colour of an object reflects what it is intended to represent such as a
particular emotion, an allegorical reference, etc
 Line – this refers to the axes and curves of an object. The direction and angle of the
structure.
 Texture – the texture that is intended to be pictured. In art its a more illusive aspect.
 Space – the area of the object and that it occupies. It can also be the transcended
area created by the performer and the set design.
 Mass – relative to space it pertains to the projected weight and bulkiness.
 Rhythm – the equilibrium and balance of the object. It includes the general pattern
and its placement.
PROPERTIES

 On stage properties can be classified as follows

Wearable properties
Hand properties
Stage or scenic properties
 • WEARABLE PROPERTIES

 Masks : usage of masks is an ancient tradition in hunting, different folk, tribal dances,
theatres and in festivals and rituals. A medium to conceal ones true identity and
transform into a different character.
1. Plaster of Paris masks: these are made using plaster of Paris by applying it and
moulding it in that person’s face itself.
2. Chart paper masks: made using chart paper which is a light and economical material.
3. Cardboard masks: made from cardboard which is more sturdy and long lasting.
4. Sponge masks: made using thermocol sheets and binding wires to give it shape and
form.
HEAD GEARS

 Head gears such as crowns and turbans can be made for the
characters of kings, soldiers, etc.
Crowns are usually made from cardboard and turbans can be tied
using cloths.
 • HAND PROPERTIES

 Hand properties include all those that can be used or held in the
performer’s hand. It can either be used in the movement or just held to
establish a character.
 Examples : bow arrow, spears, daggers, guns, etc.
• STAGE PROPERTIES

 Properties that are not held or used by the performer but are
kept on stage for scenic purposes are called stage or scenic
properties.
 Examples ; pillars, trees, seats, platforms, etc.
LIGHTING

 Stage lighting is the craft of lighting as it applies to the

production of theatre, dance, opera, and other performance
arts.
 Lighting design as a technical component of dance has become
significant after the advent of the proscenium stage.
 Lighting should complement the dance performance.
 Must not over light or under light the stage.
 Light must flow and blend with movement.
 Different kinds of light:
1. General lighting
2. Spot and focus lights
3. Led lights
4. Back lights (cycrolema)
5. Front house lights (front stage)
6. Side and cross lights.
CONCLUSION

The course on the technical aspects is very essential to shape and

equip a wholesome dancer.

THANK YOU