Appendix F: Glossary

AB

A choreographic form in which the A part represents a phrase of specified length and the B part a different phrase of specified length. The two A and B phrases are made to complement and enhance each other, but may deal with either two parts of the same theme or two different themes.

ABA

An extension of the AB choreographic structure: after the B phrase, the piece returns to an altered version of the A phrase, which can be manipulated by changing the tempo, rhythm, length, or dynamics of the movement, or by fragmenting, repeating, or changing the order of the sequence.

alignment

Body placement or posture; proper alignment lessens body strain and promotes dance skills.

call and response

A choreographic form in which one soloist or group performs, with the second soloist or group entering in response to the first.

canon

A choreographic form in which groups perform the same single theme or sequence at different times so that it overlaps.

choreographic form

The way in which the choreography of a dance is structured. For examples of choreographic form, see: AB, ABA, call and response, canon, narrative, rondo.

choreography

The art of planning and arranging dance movements into a meaningful whole; the process of building a composition; a finished dance work.

cool-down

Slow, stretching activities to help the students´ heart rates return to normal, and to help students reflect on the process they have just undergone. Warm-up activities can be adapted for use as cool-down activities.

creative process

An ongoing and circular process of exploration, selection, combination, refinement, and reflection to compose movement sequences or dances.

dynamics

The degree of energy, intensity, or power in the execution of movements.

echoing

A lead-and-follow activity for movement exploration, in which the leader makes a movement, and the follower(s) repeat the movement with some change in dynamics, shape, tempo, etc.; effective in building trust and sensitivity between individuals or within a group where the leader and the follower are clearly identified.

elements of movement

The elements of body, space, time, dynamics, and relationship. The number of possible combinations and permutations of these elements is virtually endless. Students at all levels, Kindergarten to Grade 12, will work with the elements of movement, but use them with increasing degrees of refinement and complexity as they gain experience and maturity.(See the Types of Movement table at the end of this appendix.)

expressive elements of music

The elements of rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony, timbre, articulation, and dynamics.

flocking

An activity for movement exploration in which dancers move in groups with no set pattern or formation, all doing the same movements simultaneously.

floor pattern

The paths travelled during a movement sequence.

form

(See choreographic form.)

genre

A broad categorization of dance, incorporating several related dance styles. (e.g., Fox trot, rumba, and tango are styles within the genre of ballroom; disco, lambada, and line dancing are styles within the genre of social dance.)

improvisation

Movement that is created spontaneously, ranging from free-form to highly structured, but always with an element of chance; provides the dancer with the opportunity to bring together elements quickly, and requires focus and concentration.

isolation

Moving individual parts of the body (body centres) independently of others.

mirroring

A lead-and-follow activity for movement exploration, in which the leader and the follower face each other; effective in building trust and sensitivity between individuals or within a group where the leader and the follower are clearly identified.

movement memory

The acquisition and retention of kinesthetic sensation which helps the body to remember what a given movement feels like.

narrative

A choreographic form which follows a storyline and conveys specific meaning through that story.

pathways

The course on the floor or ground along which the dancer (or dancers) moves. (See the Types of Movement table at the end of this appendix.)

performance skills

Skills used to enhance a dance presentation, such as focus, stage presence, performing energy, and clarity of execution.

personal space

The "space bubble" that the dancer occupies, including all levels, planes, and directions both near to and far from the body´s centre.

principles of movement

Principles of alignment, balance, flexibility, strength, and breathing.

rondo

A choreographic form similar to ABA, but which can continue for an indefinite period of time (ABA CA DA, etc.); the A phrase can be repeated or varied.

scatter position

Dancers move from a group position to individual placement with no set pattern (although one may emerge).

shadowing

A lead-and-follow activity for movement exploration, in which the leader faces away from the follower, and the follower shadows the leader´s movement; effective in building trust and sensi-tivity between individuals or within a group where the leader and the follower are clearly identified.

stagecraft

Elements of sound, lighting, sets, costumes, make-up, props, media, and so on, used to enhance a theatrical or dance production.

technique

Ability to perform elements of movement efficiently, safely, and as appropriate to the dance style (within the context of this generalist document, does not refer to traditional, formalized techniques for particular styles or genres, such as ballet or Graham).

transformation

Altering a dance sequence by changing one or more of the elements of movement (e.g., maintaining the steps but changing the pathway, converting a solo to an ensemble piece); can be used as a basis for applying the creative process.

warm-up

A series of movements and exercises to increase heart rate and circulation, to encourage concentration and body awareness, and to stretch muscles that will be used in forthcoming activity.

Table of Contents

Province of British Columbia
Ministry of Education
Curriculum Branch © 1995 Copyright

Maintained by: Fine Arts Coordinator - Dance

Revised: January 25, 1999

Ministry of Education Home Page