Elements of Dance: Shapes & the Hidden Dimension

 

I

 

Unit: Elements of Dance

Theme: Shapes


 Introduction

Shapes are everywhere. We perceive the world through shapes. As dancers we can incorporate shapes as part of the language of movement. 


II

Learning Objectives

 

  • Understand the use of shapes in dance
  • Explain how the embodiment of shapes helps expressive movement
  • Gain an awareness of the important of shapes in creating a unique personal language on movement
  • Experience how shapes can transfer into abstract meaning

 

III

Main Lesson

  Shape


The position the body takes in space (e.g., angled, curved, straight). It can refer to body zones, the whole body, body parts, and levels.


 


Curved Shapes

 Two-dimensional curved shapes include circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas, as well as arcs.

 Straight Shape

Two-dimensional straight shapes include lines, squares, rectangles

Angular Shape

 A shape having one or more sharp angles. angularity

Twisted Shape

 A spiral form or course; wind, curve, or bend. ... to turned, coiled, or bent into a spiral shape; to change shape under forcible turning or twisting

 Symmetrical Shape
 An exact match in size, shape, and position between the parts on opposite sides of a dividing line (e.g., identical arm and leg positions on the right and left sides of the body). 
An exact match in the positioning of dancers in relation to other dancers on opposite sides of a dividing line.



                                                                                       

 Asymmetrical Shape

A difference in size, shape, or position between parts on opposite sides of a dividing line (e.g., different arm and leg positions on the right and left sides of the body). 
A difference in the placement of dancers in a space on opposite sides of a dividing line. 
 
 
 

  
 
Geometric Shape

Such shapes are called polygons and include triangles, squares, and pentagons. Other shapes may be bounded by curves such as the circle or the ellipse.
 
 

 
 
IV
A Note to Remember
 
Shapes aid the production of movement metaphors in ways no other elements of dance do.
 
 
V
Discussion Questions
 


Questions

1. Which shape do you think offers the most expressive possibilities?

2. Create our own phrase, record it and post it on Discussion Board.

3. What limitations do the shapes may impose on the dancers?

 

VI

Case Studies

 

1

 The Kinesics of Infinity: Laban, Geometry and the Mataphysics of Dancing Space (Page 114)

 By Colin Counsell

Colin Counsell is a lecturer in English Literature and Theater Studies at the University of North London. He has worked in the theater both as a performer and as a director.

 

 2

 Sacred Geometry 
By Dr. Robert J. Gilbert


 
 

(min 8:00 - 17:38)

 Robert J. Gilbert Ph.D. is the Director of the Vesica Institute for Holistic Studies, Asheville, North Carolina. Gilbert has a multi-faceted background in both spiritual and scientific studies. He is a former U.S. Marine Corps Instructor in Nuclear-Biological- Chemical Warfare Survival; since leaving the service in 1985 he has conducted independent research into the Geometric basis of modern science and new technologies. Dr. Gilbert holds a Ph.D. in International Studies and is a published academic author in that field, contributing to the first academic textbook in the new field of Transformational Politics.

 

 3

The Hidden Dimension

 Joseph Campbell

 


VII

Activity

 Students create a solo phrase using shapes within the kinesphere and the idea of connection with space beyond the perceived geometric boundaries.

VIII

Journaling

 

IX

Glossary

 

X

Sources



https://sites.google.com/site/oloagr8/elements-of-dance

 https://www-jstor-org.access.library.miami.edu/stable/40004107?seq=12

 

XI

Students' Work

 

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