Introductions / Elements of Dance: The Study of Space (place)

 

Unit: Elements of Dance

Theme: Space / Place

 

I

 

Introduction

 Creating a safe environment in the studio is essential for students to feel free to experience dance.  An important first step for students to feel safe to dance and take risks is knowing each other's names. On the other hand, the elements of dance are the foundational concepts and vocabulary used to help students develop the necessary movement skills to create their own dances.  In addition, the elements of dance allow students to experience modern dance as a sustainable artistic practice that can last a life time.



II


Learning Objectives

 

  • Know  each other's names
  • Understand the element of dance, specifically place
  • Explain how the use place affects body movement
  • Gain an awareness of personal vs. general space
  • Experience place as an element for the dancer to share or claim space
  • Reflect on the experience


III


Main Lesson


1


ACTIVITY


a) Introduce yourself to the group by saying your name, where you come from, your major, if you have any physical training [dance, martial arts, sports, yoga, etc], your expectations about the course.

b) Write a brief introduction of yourself in which you summarize who you are. Post your introduction on  Discussion Board.   

c) Introduce yourself (by name) with a movement or gesture as the group repeats it.


2

WARM UP



3


Movement Exploration


 


Where is movement performed?
 
Where movement is performed in relation to each other.
Students move to the music interacting in dyad, tryad and group.
 

4

CONTENT

Elements of Dance

 1. Place:
 self-space/general space(also called personal / shared) 

2. Size:
 big/small, near/far 

3. Level: 
 high, middle, low  

4. Direction:
 forward, backward, right, left, up, down, diagonal 

5. Pathway:
  curved, straight, zigzag 

6. Focus: 
single focus or multi focus
 
 

IV
 
Note to Remember
 
Place is an important aspect of dance practice. Place includes self-space and general space, but it also requires a safe space where dancers can feel free to move creatively. Modern dance is primarily about freedom to move, to feel, to express and to take risks.
 
 

V

Case Studies
 


VI

Activities

1. Students explore movement using space as their main focus. They first explore space as something that can be manipulated (large, medium, small). Then, they explore self-space (kinesphere) and general space.

a) reductions and expansions of the space 
b) Changes in levels
                        c) interactions (space and people)
 
2. Students create their first solo and group movement phrase by putting together, individually and as a group, 8 movements they remember from their movement exploration.
 
3. David and Abby: Interacting with the space as if it is an entity in and of itself.

VII

JOURNALING

Write a brief reflection about your experience in class today and post it on Discussion Board. Find two posts you would like to interact with.
 
 
VIII

Glossary


  • Space: refers to the space through which the dancer's body moves (general or personal space, level, size, direction, pathway, focus).  (1)
  • Personal space (also called kinesphere): the area of space occupied by the dancer's body. size—the magnitude of a body shape or movement, from small to large.(1)
  • General space: the dance area (1)
  • Performance space: the space in which the dancers move on and in can be manipulated and explored to further enhance the concept/intent. The arrangement of the bodies in the space adds interest; careful consideration must be given to where the dancers are positioned.(1)
  •  Active Space: when the space itself becomes alive, when it has meaning, or takes on symbolic suggestions of its own. (Symbolic and dynamic space are a part of active space).(2)
  •  Safe space: a space where dancers/performers can feel free to move creatively.


IX

Sources

1. Dance Glossary. KET Education. https://education.ket.org/resources/dance-glossary/

2. HSC Dance / Glossary.  https://hscdance.weebly.com/glossary.html

X

Students' Work

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