Artsource ®

The Music Center’s Study Guide to the

Performing Arts

Table of Contents
Dance

• Glossary 1 – 15
• Tools to Use 16
• Eight Effort Actions 17

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• Assessment and Rubric 18 – 20
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FROM THE DANCE SECTION
Just as verbal and written language has of musically, internally
an alphabet with words, punctuation (kinesthetically), or mechanically.
and intonation as its base, dance has a
vocabulary of movement terms, which • Tempo:
includes the dance elements, principles Tempo can be either the time, speed or
of design and technical terms. It is rhythm of a piece of music or the pace
valuable to know some of these terms of any movement or activity.
and to use them in the correct context
when teaching students. • Rhythm:
Rhythm in dance comes from three
The body is the instrument of the sources: movement, music and
dancer. It enables the dancer to convey emotions. Rhythm helps the dancer
ideas, thoughts and feelings, and to organize motion by providing a
show relationships among people and structure. It sets a pulse for the dancer
between people and objects. and supports, contrasts and accents the
movement. Rhythm can be even,
Dance differs from functional motion, uneven, simple or complex.
which people use in everyday life,
because the movements used by a • Space:
dancer are selected, developed, Space is the unlimited area which
abstracted, combined in aesthetic ways extends in all directions and within
and rehearsed. The exception to this is which all things exist. We can
pure improvisation. Transformation describe space in terms of direction
also occurs when the dancer enters a (forward, backward, sideways,
heightened state of sensitivity and around), levels (high, low), and
expression. range (size, distance). Focus is also
considered to be a factor in space
The Elements of Dance: because the focus of the dancer
• Time: directs the viewer’s eye and can
Time is an idea which helps us to create distance, intimacy or self-
organize activity. Movement can be absorption. There is also the
fast or slow. Dancers must be able to concept that space can be positive
perceive and respond to different (filled) or negative (empty).
speeds (tempos). Time can be thought
• Shape:
Dancers make shapes or poses with arrangement of a piece of music.
their bodies, both when they move AB form is a two part form.
and when they are still. Dancers
can move separately, in pairs, trios Abstraction (Abstract is the action
and in groups to form designs. word): Movement which
Moving designs can be created by represents feelings, ideas or
movements which travel images in a non-literal form. The
(locomotor) and progress along a elements of dance are used to
specific path on the floor, or by the change, simplify, or exaggerate
motion patterns performed in the movement to express the
space around the dancer (axial). choreographer’s ideas or
imagination.
• Force:
Another word for force is energy. Accent:
Energy makes dance exciting and A strong movement, gesture or
interesting. Energy can be loose or sound.
swinging, shaking or vibrating,
smooth and flowing, bursting and Action/Reaction:
percussive. Energy is affected by When used in dance, there is an
body weight and the dancer’s action or movement which triggers
relationship to gravity. Dancers use or causes a second movement
their weight and energy in a variety which is a reaction to the first
of ways, such as heavy, light, movement.
strong, weak, tight and loose. A
dancer controls the flow of energy Action Words:
in a variety of ways. (See ‘Tools to Refers to movements which have a
Use When specific action such as running,
Viewing Dance’ for more twisting or jumping.
information.)
Active Stillness:
Some Principles of The state of being still in an
Form: energized shape rather than a
relaxed one.
• Contrast • Repetition
• Variation • Unity Aesthetic:
AB Form: Something artistic, representing
Form is the plan, design or artistic point of view, intent or
procedure for the theme and style.

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 Aesthetics: Astronomy:
A branch of philosophy dealing The scientific study of the stars and the
with the principles and planets and their movements.
interpretation of the concept of
beauty and tastefulness. Asymmetry (asymmetrical):
An uneven proportion in time, space,
Allemande Left: or energy, opposed to conventional
A round or square dance term balance. Not symmetrical.
indicating that ‘corners’ join left
hands, turn around each other and Axial Movement:
go back to place. Movement which is stationary; done in
place without traveling. Examples are
Alternating: stretching, twisting, falling, turning in
To arrange, perform or occur in turns, place, and gesturing.
parts or sides (e.g. they were
alternating between sound and silence Bacteria:
in their dance). A microscopic plant organism. Three
cell types include: cocci (round),
Ancient: bacilli (long and strawlike), spirilla
Referring to times of early human (corkscrew-shaped).
history.

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Apache:
Balance:
A member of a tribe of North
Balance can refer to either the balance
American Indians inhabiting the
of weight or the spatial arrangement.
Southwestern part of the United States.
Weight or designs which are evenly
balanced on both sides of center is
Appalachian: called symmetrical and that which is
Referring to the culture of people who balanced off-center is called
live in and around the Appalachian asymmetrical.
Mountains, in Eastern North America.
Ballet:
Archaeological Dig: A highly specialized form of dance
An excavation of historically spectacle combining the arts of music,
significant artifacts. choreography and dancing to create an
expressive work of art.
Architecture:
The design or style of a building. Base of Support:
The body part, or parts, of an which the groups responds by
individual or a connected group which singing a response or repeating the
is supporting weight. call. This can also be a call given
by the master drummer to indicate
Baskethold Position: that a new rhythm and/or dance
Dancers stand in a circle or line and step is to be done by the group. It
spread their own arms sideways in can also refer to a dance leader who
front of the persons on either side. calls out or demonstrates dance
Hands are joined with persons one steps to which the group responds
beyond the dancer on each side. The by repeating or performing the
underneath arm corresponds to the correct steps or combination.
traveling direction. (If the basket
moves right the right arm is under.) Chance Dance:
A dance made up with specific
Big Circle: movement, elements or ideas that
A large circle formation involving an are created and/or performed in a
unspecified number of people, as random way.
contrasted with small circles composed
of a specific number of dancers. Cantilever:
A projecting beam supporting a
Break: balcony or similar structure. In
A term used in African dance when the dance, it is a counter-balanced
drummer plays a transition between position with partners, trios or
movement combinations and it is also small groups
used in tap dance as a combination of
steps which ends one section of Celebration/Bravura:
choreography. A term used by the American
Indian Dance Theatre to describe a
Butterfly Position: category of Native American
This is a partner position, in which the cultural dances which are done for
partners can be facing either front to the purpose of celebration,
front or back to back, where the arms challenge and competition.
of both partners are spread widely
outward to both sides. Center In:
A circle dance term meaning to move
Call and Response: into the circle and back out.
An African musical tradition, where
a leader sings or chants a line to Changing Ceremony:

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Refers to the ceremonies of the Circle:
Native American cultural groups A round figure used in a variety of
which mark the passage from ways in dance it can refer to a
childhood to adulthood. formation of people forming a
circle together or can refer to the
Chant: path described by a movement, as
A tune or monophonic song which well as a body shape.
is sometimes spiritual in nature, or
a rhythmic call or shout which is Circle Left:
repetitive, and often focuses on A Big Circle or square dance term
collectively saying a message or meaning to join hands and move to
prayer. the left (clockwise).

Characteristic: Circle Right:

A distinctive feature showing part A circle or square dance term
person or thing. meaning to join hands and move to
the right (counterclockwise).
Chassé:
A ballet term describing a step in Circle Up Four:
which one foot literally chases the A square dance term meaning for
other foot out of its position; done two couples or four people to come
in a series (similar to a gallop or together, join hands and circle
slide). together.

Choreograph: Circle and Square Dance Terms:

The process or action of creating a (See the AMAN dance Units)
dance.
Cinquain Poetry:
Choreographer: A Japanese form of poetry which has
A person who creates dances. five lines. The first line is a one-word
noun; the second line are two action
Choreography: words; the third line has three words
(Literally, ‘dance writing.’) The which are descriptive; the fourth line
creation and composition of dances uses four lines to tell some about the
by arranging or inventing steps, subject; the fifth line is a oneword
movements and patterns of synonym or simile for the subject of
movement. the poem.
Classical: An artistic composition made by fixing
Dance or music which is from a classic bits of paper, cloth, string, etc. to a
period and emphasizes a specific form surface. It can also be used to indicate
and style of a culture and period. It is an artistic mixture of bits and
considered the highest level. 4
pieces of music and/or dance phrases
Classical Ballet: or sections which are combined
The style of ballet dancing that adheres together to make an artistic statement.
strictly to the traditions of ballet as
developed by past generations of Color:
choreographers and dancers. What the eye sees when light is
reflected off an object. An element of
Clockwise: art.
A dance term which refers to moving
in the direction indicated by the hands Combination:
of a clock (to the left). In dance, this usually refers to a
sequence of dance steps which are
Clog Dance: combined together into a specific
A form of tap dance in which the pattern.
dancer wears clogs - wooden shoes or
shoes with thick wooden soles. It Composition:
developed from folk dances common A dance or piece of music or work of
when peasants wore clogs. art which has been created and the way
in which the parts are put together to
Coda: form a whole.
The final section of a work or melody.
Concentration:
Code: To employ all one’s thought, attention
A prearranged word or phrase or effort onto something.
representing a message, for secrecy; a
system of words, letters, sounds, Cone:
gestures or symbols used to represent A solid or hollow round body that
or indicate a specific movement idea in narrows to a smaller end point.
dance which is performed when that
specific code signal is used. Connecting Points:
Can refer to parts of a body or
Collage: sculpture which touch another part.

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Constellation: The fabric, masks and props which
A group of fixed stars. are worn by the dancers. The
costumes make a difference in how
Contemporary: the dancers can move. They can
Up-to-date, current. even change the shape and size of
the body.
Contemporary Dance:
The dance as a reflection of the period Counterbalance:
in which it is composed; a A weight which balances another
manifestation of the world and time in weight. In dance, it usually refers
which the choreographer lives. to one or more dancers combining
their weight in stillness or in action
Contract: to achieve a movement or design
In dance this word refers to a which is inter-dependent.
movement which shortens the
muscles and is the opposite action Counterclockwise:
of extend. A dance term which indicates that
the dancers should travel in the
Contraction: opposite direction of the hands of a
A specific term in Martha Graham clock (to the right).
technique that coordinates with the
intake of breath. Create:
To originate or bring something into
Contrast: existence.
To compare or oppose two things
so as to show their differences. In
dance, two contrasting movements
might be different in energy, space
(size, direction, level), design
(open/close,
symmetrical/asymmetrical) timing
(fast/slow, even/uneven).

Corps de Ballet:
The dancers in a ballet who do not
appear as soloists.

Costumes:
Creativity: Dialogue:
The process of formulating a fresh and Words spoken by a character. In dance, a
distinctly personal statement or form. conversation can also be communicated in a
movement dialogue.
Criticism:
A reasoned opinion, implying careful Dimension:
judgment. The apparent size of a movement, relative both to
previous movement and to the stage space.
Culture:
The customs and civilization of a particular Diplomat:
people or group. A member of the diplomatic service of a country.

Dance Captain: Direction:

Refers to the person who rehearses or teaches A term indicating relative lines of movement. It
routines or choreography to the other dancers. can be from the perspective of an individual
dancer’s body or from the perspective of a
Dance Movement: traditional stage.
Movement that serves the purpose of any
dance form is dance movement. In dance as Diorama:
art, movement is selected and organized on the A small three-dimensional representation of a
basis of its function as a medium of expression scene, viewed through a window or hole.
rather than its function as work or play.
Director:
Dance Study: The person who is responsible for making the final
A simple dance composition, usually based on artistic choices in how a work is presented.
a specific concept or movement idea which is
explored, developed and sequenced. Distortion:
A change from the normal or average, whether by
Dawota Bell: extraordinary length, complexity of movement,
A double gong bell from West Africa. The two abruptness or some other means.
parts produce two different pitches.
Djellidoun:
Design: A dance of celebration from Mali.
A combination of lines or shapes to form a
decoration; the general form or arrangement of Djimbe Drum:
something; a mental plan, a purpose. Mushroom-shaped drums made from a hollowed
out log with goat skin across the top. Fan-shaped
Design Elements (Visual Arts): pieces of metal are anchored across the top to
The visual characteristics of the design capture the sun’s rays.
elements are line, color, value, shape, texture
and space. Djun djun:
A drum shaped like a barrel, made from a Time - beat, rhythm, tempo, meter, accent, phrase,
hollowed- out log with animal skin stretched etc. Space - direction, level, size, range, focus,
across both ends. locomotor and axial, etc.
Energy/Force - quality and quantity of energy as
Dome: well as use of weight, etc.
A rounded roof with a circular base.
Emotion:
Dos-a-dos: An intense mental feeling such as love, hate, fear
Partners face each other, then pass each other - or sadness.
right shoulder to right shoulder - moving around
each other back to back and returning to their Energy Quality:
original positions. The way in which energy is released, rather
than the amount of energy released. In dance
Dream: these terms can be swinging, vibrating,
To imagine, envision or invent. percussive, sustained, etc.

Duplicate: Environment:
To copy the movement or shapes of someone else. The surroundings, including sounds, atmosphere
This can be done simultaneously or after the and objects, of any given place.
original.
Essence:
Duration: All that makes a thing what it is; it’s nature.
The length of a musical sound or movement.
Ethnic Dance:
Dynamics: The dance of a people of common cultural,
The energy of movement, expressed in varying racial and/or religious heritage. Essentially,
intensity, accent and quality. such dance has its time, place and context for
function and performance within the culture of
Eight Effort Actions: which it is a part. Ethnic dance staged and
(See ‘Tools to use when viewing dance,’ pages presented in a theatrical setting solely for
13,14 of Dance Addendum) They include press, audience entertainment demonstrates
flick, punch, float, slash, glide, wring and dab. traditional material in a different context for a
different purpose.
El Dia De Los Muertos:
Spanish meaning ‘The Day of the Dead,’ which is Ewe People:
a holiday celebrated in Mexico, North America A cultural group of people living in Togo and
and many Central and South American countries. Southeast Ghana in Western Africa.

Elements of Design: Exhale:

Color, line, value, shape, form and texture. To breathe out.

Elements of Dance: Expand:

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To unfold or spread out. discipline to develop physical and expressive
abilities (and capacity) and personal
Exploration: responsibility toward the safety of oneself and
Experimental effort in the search for movement, others as one moves in space with energy.
sequence or form.
Gesture:
Expressionism: All movements of the body which are not
A style of painting, drama or music seeking to supporting weight.
express the artist’s or writer’s emotional
experience, rather that to express the physical Ghana:
world realistically. A country in West Africa.

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Goddess:
Figure:
A female god who is thought to have supernatural
A pattern traced in dancing or a formation of a
powers.
group, such as a circle or square.

Grand Chain:
Focus:
A square dance term indicating that all four ladies
In general, a gathering of forces to increase the
place right hands in the center to form a star as
projection of intent; in particular, ‘focus’ refers
they catch hands, and move to the left around
to the dancer’s line of sight.
circle to the opposite man. The man puts his right
arm around lady’s waist and turns her around
Folk Dance:
counterclockwise to face same couple again.
The dance associated with nationalistic Ladies return to partner in the same manner.
purpose, usually performed today as a
surviving portion of a traditional celebration.
Grand Right and Left (right and left grand):
Partners face, grasp right hands, move forward to
Form:
the next person grasping left hands, move to the
The organization or plan for patterning
next grasping right hands and so on around the
movement; the sequence of the movement.
circle until partners meet. Ladies move
clockwise, men counterclockwise around the
Flow: circle.
The way in which energy is released in
performing any given movement or phrase.
Grapevine Step:
Rudolf Laban initiated the words Free-flow
A three-part folkdance step: e.g. R foot crosses in
(movement which is free and natural) and
front of L foot, L foot steps to left side, and right
Bound-flow (movement which is restrained).
foot crosses behind the left.

Freedom:
Healing Song:
The condition of being free and independent.
A song or chant which is thought to have magical
In dance, freedom is best expressed within
or healing powers and is a form of prayer.
specific limitations of form and also requires
Illusion: Isolation:
Something which appears to be real, but is not. In Movement done with one body part or a small
dance and theatre, illusion is created with lights, section of the body. Examples are: rolling the
film, sets, and the manipulation of space, weight, head, shrugging the shoulders, and circling the
time or motion. pelvis.

Imagery: Jig:
Symbols created to project a statement or emotion A bright dance, involving a series of springy steps
from imagination into visual form. on the toes. Especially popular as a folk dance in
Ireland.
Images:
A representation of the outward form of a person Journey:
or thing or the optical appearance of something A continued course of going or traveling.
projected or reflected in a mirror or through a lens.
Karanga People:
Imagination: A cultural group of people who are part of the
The ability to imagine creatively, or to use this Shona group in Zimbabwe.
ability in a practical way to solve problems.
Lamentation:
Imitation: An expression of grief.
To copy a movement, design or style.
Leader:
Improvisation: One who leads or takes the principle part.
The invention of movement without previous
preparation, but within the structure of the dance Leadership:
format as a whole. Taking on the role of a leader.

Improvise: Level:
To compose, express or create something An aspect of space dealing with height from
spontaneously (impromptu). the floor, ranging from a prone position to the
greatest altitude of a leap; usually thought of
Inhale: in terms of horizontal planes.
To breathe in.
Lifts:
Inner World: When one or more dancers are suspended in the
The world within ourselves; inner consciousness. air, supported by one or more dancers.

Intensity: Line of Direction:

Presence of a greater or lesser degree of energy; A term used in circle dances which means
relative level of energy concentration. counterclockwise.

Line:
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The path of a dot through space. (One of the The art of dramatic representation by
elements of art.) In dance, the line of the body movement and gesture only without words;
design or the pathway taken. also, a performer specializing in this art.

Living Photograph: Modern Dance:

Refers to an individual or group design which is A 20th century art form, serving to project the
still, but has active energy being projected choreographer’s intent through the medium of
outward. bodily movement, with no arbitrary restrictions
on the choice of movement available to the
Locomotor Movement: choreographer.
Movement that progresses through space;
movement that travels from one spot to another. Motif:
A recurring design or feature in a literary,
Los Viejitos: musical or artistic work.
A Spanish word meaning ‘old men’ or ‘old
people.’ Motif Writing:
(See Artsource® Unit, Eugene Loring, Sample
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lesson III)
Main Figure:
A square dance term meaning the pattern of
movement done by the head couple. The main Motivation (motivate):
figure is usually repeated by each of the other An incentive or inspiration to do something.
couples, as well.
Movement Theme:
Map: A formulation of movement representing a central
A plan for the path patterns and movements of concern or unifying intent; such a theme is the
a dance and the number of people involved. basis for development and manipulation.

Master Drummer: Myth:

A term which refers to a highly skilled A traditional story containing ideas or beliefs
percussionist in an African musical group. about ancient times or about natural events; an
idea that forms part of the beliefs of a group but is
Mental Image Pictures (Mental Image): not founded on fact.
Pictures which one has in one’s mind.
Mythical Creature:
Metaphor: An animal or creature which does not exist in
The application of a word or phrase to reality, but only in the imagination and stories.
something that it does not literally apply in
order to indicate a comparison with a literal Nature Poems:
usage; e.g., food for thought. Poems inspired by, or about nature.

Mime: Negative Space:

Space which is unfilled. It is oten defined by the
positive space around it.

Oppression:
Continual cruel, harsh and unjust treatment or
conditions.

Outer World:
The world outside the dancer; outer consciousness;
communicating to others or an audience.

Palette:
A spectrum of available movements and energy
choices used by a dancer.

Papier Mâché:
Moulded paper pulp used in art projects.

Passion:
A great enthusiasm for something.

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Path or Pathway: Poem:
A line along which a person or a part of the A literary composition in verse, especially one
person, such as an arm or head, moves; e.g., her expressing deep feeling or thought in an
arm took a circular path or he traveled in a imaginative way.
geometric path.
Points:
Pattern: Refers to the different points of balance of a
Can refer to a repeated sequence of movement piece of sculpture or balance points of a dancer.
ideas, a rhythmic movement sequence, a spatial
design on the floor or in the air and a specific Positive Space:
relationship or grouping of people. Space which is filled; often used as a design
mechanism for defining negative space.
Penny Whistle:
A metal, end-blown flute popular in the British Premier dancer:
Isles. A ballet term which refers to the soloists.

Percussion: Principles of Design:

One of the four instrumental families whose Balance, symmetry, asymmetry, contrast,
sounds are produced either by hitting, scraping or dominance, repetition, rhythm and theme and
shaking. Percussion music is usually rhythmic and variation.
has a steady beat.
Private:
Percussive Movement: Something personal, or anything belonging to a
A quality of movement characterized by sharp particular person.
starts and stops; staccato jabs of energy.
Projection:
Performance Energy: Refers to sending one’s energy outward in a
A higher-than-normal level of concentration and general or specific direction. In art, can also
directed energy. mean something which extends outward from
the surface of an object.
Persia:
The ancient geographical area and country of Promenade:
Persia which is now called Iran. Couples move counterclockwise around the set
or large circle in promenade position (partners
Phrase: stand side by side, holding right hand to right,
A short movement theme made up of one or more left to left).
movement motifs.
Quality:
Pitch: The characteristics of movement determined
The location of a tone on a tonal scale(low to by the way energy is used (examples are
high).

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swinging, percussive, suspended, sustained and A practice or trial performance.
vibratory).
Rehearse:
Range: To practice before performing in public.
The relative scope or extent of movement.
Release:
Rap: (Music) Part of the technical vocabulary of Martha
A contemporary style of music incorporating Graham in which movement of a contraction is
rhythmic chanting and percussion sounds. released and the spine and center of the body
Born out of the young, urban hip-hop culture, extended or lengthened.
it’s rhymed verbal (often poetic) messages are
performed against cool, rhythmic patters Repertoire:
driven by a strong basic beat. The message A collection of dances which a company knows
often addresses social and political concerns. and is prepared to perform.
It’s sources reach back to West African
cultures. Repetition: (Repetitive)
To repeat a movement or phrase one or more
Reach: times.
To extend a part of the body outward or
toward someone or something; to establish Representation:
communication with another. To symbolize something and represent it through
your creativity and expression in an artform.
Reclining:
To have, or put, one’s body in a more or less Rhythm:
horizontal or leaning position. A structure of movement patterns in time.

Reconstruct: Rhythm Pattern:

To recreate a dance from the past. A structure of beats or movements which can be
repeated.
Reel:
A lively group dance, originating among Ritual:
Scottish Highlanders and later developed into A procedure regularly followed; the series of
American and French Canadian dances which actions used in a religious or other ceremony.
incorporate cultural adaptations into the
original dance form. Round Dance:
A general term for any group dance in which the
Reflection: dancers move in a circle.
To focus one’s deep thoughts on an idea,
dance, project or action. Score:
A term used in dance to record, illustrate and
Rehearsal: identify the parts or sections of a dance.

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Sculptor: Size:
A person who sculpts; makes sculpture. Relative magnitude, established by enlarging,
maintaining or limiting the amount of space used
Sculpture: for a movement within a given area.
The art of carving in wood or stone or producing
shapes in material such as paper, clay, stone or Spacial Pattern:
cast metal; a work made in this way. The gestural movements above the ground, or
traveling on the ground, made by a dancer in
Seasonal/Functional: space.
One of the terms used by the American Indian
Dance Theatre to categorize the dances of Spell:
different cultural groups which have to do with Words or actions which have magical power.
seasons or functions, such as preparing for a hunt.
Spiral:
Self-Expression: In dance, this terms refers to either a gestural
An unstructured and natural manifestation of movement or a path which advances, ascends
personal feelings. or dscends in a continuous curve that winds
round a central point or axis.
Sequence:
The continuation and order in which a series of Spirit:
movements and shapes occurs. A person’s mind or feelings or animating
principle as distinct from the body; life and
Shekere: consciousness not associated with a body.
A versatile rattle made from a gourd wrapped in a
beaded macramé net. Spiritual/Ceremonial:
A term used by the American Indian Dance
Shape: Theatre to categorize dance and music of
In dance this refers to the positioning of different different Native American cultural groups
body parts, or configuration of the body and its which have a spiritual and ceremonial
parts. function.

Signature Piece: Stop-Action:

(See Artsource® Unit, Alvin Ailey, Sample Lesson Action which is stopped quickly and held in active
II). Refers to a piece of choreography that has stillness.
become a representation of the style and essence
of a specific dance company or choreographer. Story Structure:
The use of a book or story to sequence and give an
Signing: (Sign Talk) outline of structure for a dance; narrative form.
A general term which refers to the gestural,
nonverbal language used by those who are deaf. Style:

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A personal or characteristic manner of Parts which are divided in such a way that
performing or choreographing as opposed the they are the same in size and shape and
subject or content of a dance. Also can refer to similar in position on either side of a dividing
different approaches to dance which line or central point.
distinguish it in terms of a certain set of
characteristics usually developed within a Tableau: (pl. is tableaux)
certain period of time and/or culture. A picturesque grouping of persons; formin a
(Examples include classical, jazz, modern, ‘living photograph.’
folk,
social, contemporary.) Tango:
An Argentinian ballroom dance in 4/4 time
Suite: with elaborate posturing and a characteristic
A musical term describing an instrumental rhythm Technique:
sequence made up of a series of pieces. Used The physical skills of a dancer which enable him
in dance to indicate a sequence of related or her to execute the steps and movements
dances. required in different routines, dances or
choreography.
Suspension:
A quality of movement that occurs in a Tempo:
moment of resistance to gravity, such as the The pace or speed at which movement progresses
instant in which the dancer hangs in space at and which is relative to an individual dancer or
the top of a leap. group.

Sustained Movement: Theme and Variation:

A quality of movement that is smooth and A form in which an initial theme is established
unaccented. There is no apparent start or stop, and then is followed by variations. The variations
only a continuous energy flow. are excursions from the basic theme, without
altering its essential character.
Swinging Movement:
A quality of movement established by a fall Timbre:
with gravity, a gain in momentum, a loss of The color or tonal quality of a sound.
momentum and the repeated cycle of fall and
recovery, like that of a pendulum or Time:
playground swing. Beat, rhythm, tempo, meter, accent, phrase, etc.

Symbol: Transformation:
A mark or sign embodying certain To make a great change in the physical
characteristics to convey specific meaning. appearance, character, expression or spiritual
aspects; a shift of consciousness. A heightened
Symmetry (also symmetrical): state of sensitivity and expression.

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Translate: Visualization:
To express something in another language or The process or technique of creating mental visual
through an art form. Or to explain the meaning of images.
something not understood.
Withdraw:
To pull away from someone or something.
Transition:
The process of going from one movement idea to
Work Song:
another. A song which is sung in order to maintain a
rhythm to help ease the stress and strain of hard,
Traveling Movements: tiring and repetitive work.
Actions which take a dancer from one spot in
space to another spot ( e.g., walk, run, gallop, Zimbabwe:
slide). A country in Southern Africa.
* * *
Two-Step: Definitions for this glossary of dance terms were
A dance combination which is a step with one drawn from the following sources:
foot, followed by a step next to it with the other
foot and a third step in the same direction by the • Ellfeldt, Lois. A Primer for Choreographers.
first step (step-together-step). It can progress Mayfield Publishing Co., Palo Alto, CA: 1971.
from side to side, forward or backward.
• Harris, Jane A., Pittman, Anne, Waller, Marlys
Unique: S.
Being unusual or remarkable; distinct. Dance A While. Burgess Publishing Co.
Minneapolis, MN: 1957.
Unison:
Movements which are performed identically by • Haskell, Arnold L. The Wonderful World of
more than one dancer. Dance. Doubleday & Co., Garden City, NY:
1969.
Unity:
The feeling of wholeness in a dance which is • Livingston, Loretta. Artistic Director for
achieved when all of the parts work well together. theLoretta Livingston Dance Company and
Artist-inResidence for the Music Center.
Variation(s):
A repetition of a movement or melody in a • Moorhead, Philip D., The New American
different form. Changing aspects of the piece Dictionary of Music. Dutton, N. Y: 1991
while keeping its essencial ingredients.
• Edward O’Malley, et al., ed. Visual and
Variety: Performing Arts Framework for California
A quantity or range of different things. Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade
Twelve. California Department of Education,
Vibratory Movement: 2004.
A quality of movement characterized by rapidly
repeated bursts of percussive movements. • Oxford Universal Dictionary. Oxford University
Press, NY: 1981.
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• Weikart, Phyllis S. Teaching Movement and Ypsilanti, MI: 1982.
Dance.High/Scope Educational Research Fd.
TOOLS TO USE WHEN VIEWING DANCE
THE LABAN EIGHT EFFORT ACTIONS

Effort Action Vocabulary: The Effort Action vocabulary is part of a system for looking at
movement which was conceived by Rudolf Laban, a dance pioneer from the early part of the
Twentieth Century. His body of work on how to analyze movement and teach modern educational
dance is quite large and in-depth.

Historically, Rudolf Laban conceived his movement research during World War II when he was
asked to observe and increase the efficiency of workmen operating machines. He designed a new
way to observe movement, which was later applied to the study and observation of dance
movement. The principles which he discovered are applied to the teaching and documenting of
many forms of dance technique and movement exploration today. This knowledge promotes the
mastery of movement in both its bodily and mental aspects.

These are two examples of

“Labanotation” - a method used
for diagraming dance movements.
(Courtesy of International Library
of African Music, Grahamstown,
South Africa.)

IBO Dance, Nigeria

BUGALOO, American popular dance

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 It is very helpful to understand the way in which Laban identified eight basic effort actions. These
actions are analyzed in terms of weight, time, space and flow factors. On the next page is a
summary of how each action is broken down into these elements. This system is a very useful tool
to use when working in dance.

THE EIGHT EFFORT ACTIONS

• Every action has a weight factor which is either strong or light.

• Every action has a time factor which is sudden (quick) or sustained (slow).
• Every action has a space factor, which is direct or indirect in the path it takes.
• Every action has a flow which is either bound or free, meaning that the action goes with the flow
of energy or restricts the flow by increasing the resistive tension.

Action Weight Time Space Words

(path)
PRESS Strong Slow Direct Firm, Resistive, Sturdy,
Pushing, Powerful,
Deliberate
* The Flow is obviously bound

FLICK Light Quick Indirect

Flickering, Sparkling,
Crisp, Fluttering, Stops,
Starts, Twitching
* The Flow is obviously free (tap dancing is an example)

PUNCH Strong Quick Direct

Thrust, Lunge, Strong
& Straight, Jab, Poke,
Shove
* The Flow can be either bound or free

FLOAT Light Slow Indirect Undulating, Buoyant,

Hovering, Suspended
* The Flow can be either bound or free

SLASH Strong Quick Indirect Swiping, Whipping,

Beating, Throwing,
Flinging, Splashing
* The Flow is usually free

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 GLIDE Slow Indirect Smooth, Sliding
Light is
* The Flow usually bound

WRING Strong Slow Indirect Twisted,Screwed,

Powerful,
Writhing Stretching,
* The Flow is usually bound Pulling

DAB Light Quick Direct Bouncing, Darting,

Shooting, Tapping,
Shakin
g * The Flow is usually free

DANCE CRITERIA AND RUBRIC

WHAT IS PERFORMANCE BASED ASSESSMENT?

The term assessment encompasses all the ways that a teacher checks on the progress
and understanding of students as they learn. It involves questions which cause them
to reflect on the experiences they have just had and encourages them to make
connections to their lives, or other things they know about.

Performance Based Assessment places responsibility for learning on the students and
helps them pick up new threads of understanding and perception, encouraging them to
weave these threads, textures and colors into the larger tapestry of their total
experience.

Ideally, assessment questions should be embedded throughout the lesson, rather than
just at the end. It is important to note, however, that you do not want to disrupt the
flow of energy in a dance lesson by interrupting the physical energy which has been
created. The balance between assessment and flow of energy is one which requires
intuition and experience.

WHY ASSESS THE ARTS?

The arts are core subjects, K-12 grades. In order to present them with integrity and
meaning, the skills and knowledge gained by students must be assessed. Art lessons
need to be more than just an activity, or recreational. Rather, the arts should be

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 presented as an authentic learning experience with clear objectives and measurable
student outcomes.

When an art task is presented to students, the teacher should provide criteria.Work
with the students to develop a rubric which can measure their success in achieving the
criteria. Then, students are clear on what they are working toward, the elements and
principles which should be included in the project, and other pertinent information.

When the students understand the criteria and how it will be measured, they are more
focused and motivated to do their best. It also objectifies the work so that students
themselves can see what they need to work on.

CRITERIA: It is very important that the specific criteria components are the same
for each level of the rubric. The same ingredients must be measured at each level of
the score, but with differing degrees of fulfillment and quality in completing the task.

SUGGESTED COMPONENTS FOR BUILDING DANCE CRITERIA

When designing a culminating task or study for a lesson, think about what you want the students to
know and do, then create criteria which clearly identifies each aspect of the task. See the
Assessment section, page iv, in the Artsource Introduction for definitions of assessment, criteria,
and rubric.

SUGGESTED COMPONENTS FOR BUILDING CRITERIA AND A RUBRIC IN DANCE

1. concentration
2. beginning, middle, end for the study or work
3. degree to which the criteria for the specific assignment was met and fulfilled
4. elements of dance integrated into assignment (time, space, force or energy)
5. artistic principles demonstrated in the assignment (unity, variety, balance, contrast, etc.)
6. innovation, imagination and expression are apparent in work
7. coordination and effective use of body and flow of energy
8. cooperation demonstrated between partners or group members

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RUBRIC SAMPLE based on a score of 1-4, with 4 being the highest and 1 the lowest.
This is a way that students can score themselves or a teacher can score them on an assignment.

4 Above Proficient

• demonstrates a consistently high level of focus and concentration throughout

• has a very clear beginning, middle and ending for the assignment
• goes beyond the assignment in fulfilling criteria for the assignment
• incorporates many dance elements such as level changes, rhythm, direction changes, floor
pattern, energy, spatial designs and patterns
• integrates three or more artistic principles such as: contrast, variety, unity, emphasis,
balance,
• demonstrates exceptional innovation, expressiveness, imagination and originality in work
• exceptional use of the body with coordination and flow of energy
• effectively cooperates with partner or group and shows a strong commitment to the work.

3 Proficient

• demonstrates a high level of focus and concentration throughout

• has a clear beginning, middle and ending for the assignment
• does a very good job in fulfilling all the criteria for the assignment
• incorporates some dance elements such as level changes, variations in rhythm, energy,
time, spatial design and patterns
• uses two or three principles such as: variety, unity, contrast, emphasis, balance
• demonstrates innovation, expressiveness, imagination and originality in work
• very good use of the body with coordination and flow of energy
• cooperates with partner or group and shows a commitment to the work2 Approaching
Proficient

• demonstrates adequate focus and concentration throughout; needs to be more consistent

• has a beginning, middle and ending for the assignment, but needs some clarity
• fulfills most of the criteria for the assignment
• incorporates a few dance elements in the work
• uses one or two principles in the work
• demonstrates some innovation, expressiveness, imagination and originality in work
• good use of body with coordination and flow
• mostly cooperates with partner or group , mild commitment to work

1 Below Proficient

• demonstrates no focus or concentration

• has a beginning, middle and ending, but needs to be clearer and stronger
• leaves out most aspects of criteria for the assignment

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• incorporates one or two dance elements, but needs more development
• may use an artistic principle, but needs more refinement
• demonstrates little innovation, expressiveness, imagination and originality in work.
• inadequate use of body with coordination and lacks flow of energy
• has many problems cooperating with partner or group, needs more commitment to the
work.

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