style
characteristic features of a dance work or choreographer's work that enable it to be recognised as belonging to that particular group.
technique
a specific way of moving according to particular rules and conventions.
isolation
moving a part of the body independently, such as a shoulder shrug.
accompaniment
the sound that you hear during the dance, for example percussion.
contemporary
a group of dance styles originating in the early 20th century created by individuals working outside the classical ballet stye, in response to the conditions of modern life.
formations
shapes or patterns created by a group of dancers.
actions
what a dancer does, for example leap, spin, balance.
dynamics
the 'how' or 'quality' of movement.
space
the 'where' of movement.
contraction
shortening of a muscle of muscles.
extension
lengthening one or more muscles or limbs.
gestures
actions or movements of a body part which is not weight bearing.
syncopated
stressing beat that is not normally stressed.
bharata natyam
a classical south asian dance style, characterised by intricate hand gestures and fast footwork.
graham based
a contemporary dance style created by martha graham in the 1930s. characterised by angular body shapes and use of breath and the centre of the body to initate movements.
contact
when dancers touch, lean, lift or support each other.
choreographic approaches
how choreographers work with the dance material, for example by using the dancers' improvisations.
choreographic form
giving the dance a shape and structure for example by using contrasting sections.
choreographic devices
using different methods to repeat, develop and vary the material.
narrative
a dance that tells a story.
motifs
patterns or designs of action content that encapsulate an idea and can be repeated and developed throughout the dance.