The Elements of Dance

The new exposure dance seems to be getting through new television shows and web culture communities seems like a positive phenomenon for the art. It is easy to enjoy dance in its many forms without having to intellectualize it. However inside this art form there is much to observe and analyze.

Today we are going to take a look at the Elements of Dance. I will not get to deep into each but here is a nice outline. These elements are the tiny threads that create the fabric of movement.

I. The Body

A. Body parts

1. Inner: muscles, bones, joints, heart, lungs (breath)
2. Outer: head,shoulders, arms, hands, back, ribcage, hips, legs, feet

B. Body moves- stretch, bend, twist, circle, lift, collapse, swing, sway, shake

C. Steps- walk, run, leap, hop, jump, skip, gallop, slide

II. Space

A. Shape- body design in space
B. Level- high, middle, low
C. Direction- forward, backward, sideways
D. Size- big, little
E. Place- on the spot, through space
F. Focus- direction of gaze
G. Pathway- curved, straight

III. Force

A. Sharp
B. Smooth
C. Strong
D. Light
E. Tight
F. Loose
G. Free-flowing
H. Balanced

IV. Time (timing of the movement)

A. Beat- underlying pulse
B. Tempo- fast, slow
C. Accent- an emphasis
D. Duration- longs and shorts
E. Pattern- combination (parts that when put together create a pattern)


"To me, coordination means dominion of spirit-of-body over all parts of the body, until it produces the unity that is passion. It is the organization of this activity that is the art that is dance."
-Martha Graham