The elements of dance are the foundational concepts and vocabulary that help students develop movement skills and understand dance as an artistic practice. Dance can be broken down into the following five elements: body, action, space, time, and energy. These elements are interconnected and at times, it can be hard to separate one from the other. However, as we discuss each one, we can include specific vocabulary used to talk about dance and examine how each element can be manipulated to create different results.
Here is a brief description of each element of dance:
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Body: This element refers to the physical body of the dancer, including its shape, alignment, and movement potential. It also includes the dancers use of body parts, such as the arms, legs, and torso, to create movement.
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Action: This element refers to the movements and steps that the dancer performs, including the use of different dynamics, such as fast or slow movements, and the use of different qualities, such as sharp or smooth movements.
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Space: This element refers to the area in which the dancer moves, including the use of levels, directions, and pathways. It also includes the use of the space around the dancer, such as the use of negative space or the creation of shapes in the air.
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Time: This element refers to the duration, rhythm, and tempo of the movements performed by the dancer. It also includes the use of timing, such as the use of accents or pauses in the movement.
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Energy: This element refers to the quality of movement, including the use of force, tension, and weight. It also includes the use of emotions and expression in the movement.
These elements of dance are visible in all dance experiences, and while different dance styles call for specialized skills and stylization choices, the underlying elements of dance are present in all forms of creative movement.
