ELEMENTS OF DANCE for PathFit 3 pdf copy

ELEMENTS OF DANCE for PathFit 3 pdf copy

1. PATHFIT 3:
INTRODUCTION
TO DANCE
BY SILVER

2. The Elements of Dance are the foundational
concepts that help us analyze, interpret,
and describe movement.
They consist of Body, Energy, Space, and
Time, remembered as B.E.S.T.
Dance can be seen as the use of the Body
with different kinds of Energy, moving
through Space, unfolding in Time.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS
OF DANCE?

3. The dancer's instrument of expression—what
moves in the dance.
Body Shapes can be curved, angular, twisted,
symmetrical, or asymmetrical.
Body Actions:
Dancers can use the whole body or emphasize
specific body parts (e.g., head, arms, legs).
BODY
Locomotor: Movements that travel (e.g.,
walking, running, jumping).
1.
Non-locomotor: Movements that stay in place
(e.g., stretching, twisting, bending).
2.

4. ENERGY
Energy refers to how a movement is performed, focusing on the intensity
and quality of the dancer’s actions. It can completely transform the
emotional tone of the dance.
Energy is about the intent behind the movement: Is the dancer moving with
strength, delicacy, or fluidity?
Space, Weight,
Time, Flow
RUDOLF LABAN’S FOUR EFFORTS MOVEMENT QUALITIES:
Sustained, Percussive,
Swinging, Suspended,
Collapse, Vibratory

5. Personal Space General Space Levels Floor Patterns
Space around the
dancer's body
(intimate or
introspective feeling).
The broader area in
which dancers move
(e.g., stage or room).
Movements occur on
high, middle, or low
levels (e.g., jumping
vs. crawling).
The direction and
design of movement
(e.g., straight lines,
circles, zigzags).
SPACE
Where the movement takes place—the dancer's relationship to the
surrounding environment.

6. Refers to when movement happens in dance.
Pulse: The basic beat or underlying rhythm.1.
Speed/Tempo: Fast, moderate, or slow
movements.
2.
Rhythm Patterns: Groupings of long or short
beats, accents, or pauses.
3.
Syncopation: Emphasizing the off-beats,
creating dynamic timing shifts.
4.
TIME

7. Modern &
Contemporary Dance
Emerged as a rebellion
against ballet, using
innovative movement styles.
DANCE GENRE
A dance genre refers
to a specific type or
style of dance.
Popular genres
include ballet,
modern dance, hip-
hop, and folk dances
like flamenco and
samba.
Known for its grace,
flexibility, and athleticism.
Originated in European
courts, it has evolved but
maintains classical
techniques.
Ballet

8. Formal partner dances
like the waltz or Latin
styles like salsa and
samba, often performed
in competitions.
Originated in New
York, emphasizing
freestyle movements
like popping, locking,
and breakdancing.
Hip-Hop & Street
Dance
Ballroom & Social
Dance
Folk Dance
Traditional dance forms
passed down through
generations, reflecting
cultural roots, such as
Tinikling, Pandanggo
sa Ilaw.

9. PERFORMANCE
ART & DANCE
FUSION
Dance can be mixed with
other performance forms
like theater or circus acts.
Dance fusion occurs
when two or more dance
styles are combined,
creating a unique blend
of movements and
traditions.