Elements of Space, Time and Dynamics

Space

Here are some examples how the elements of dance have been used to communicate meaning in relation to a concept/intent.

The shapes have been abstracted from the idea of reaching. These examples demonstrate the way in which you could describe key shapes from your own composition and how they could be interpreted to communicate concept/intent.

The areas of the performance space are listed below as a reminder.

Upstage prompt (Upstage Left) = USP
Downstage prompt ( Downstage Left) = DSP
Upstage opposite prompt (Upstage Right) = USOP
Downstage opposite prompt (Downstage Right) = DSOP
Upstage centre = USC
Downstage centre = DSC.

Key shape #1

Direction -The body is largely facing the USP corner

Level Low - level (floor)

Shape - Dancer kneeling on the floor, facing the USP corner, with her back to the audience. Torso inclined to the right. Right forearm is hinged at the elbow, creating a right angle between the forearm and the upper arm. Asymmetrical and Angular. Lower right arm is a right angle to the direction of the knees. The left arm reaches toward the USOP diagonal. Generally the shape faces diagonally USP corner with her back to the audience.

Dimension - The lower body is cramped into a small space. The upper body is more open.

Personal space - The body is enclosed; upper body is reaching upward and backwards

Active space - USP corner

Performance space - USP corner. This is one of the strong areas of the proscenium arch stage as it is the focal point where the back wall and the right wall converge creating a vision funnel.

Analysis - Low level, back to the audience. Contrast between upper and the lower body alignment and use of space. Twisting, reaching backwards and upwards; in apparent opposition to the general level and direction.

Possible interpretation - Looking backwards. Being drawn backwards. Generally introspective but searching or reaching (placement of the torso in relation to the rest of the body).

Key shape #2

Direction - Facing DSOP corner.

Level - Low level.

Shape - On right side, on the floor, roughly along the diagonal line DSOP to USP. Straight, angular and asymmetrical.

Dimension - While the shape is at a low–mid level, the expanse of the shape is created in a narrow plane along the diagonal (DSOP to USP). The dimension suggests length and high to low.

Personal space - A narrow, but elongated shape, which is in sympathy with the diagonal line.

Active space - The diagonal between DSOP to USP.

Performance space - DSOP corner which is an area of strength. The diagonal between DSOP and USP which travels through three areas of strength.

Analysis - Low–mid level. The shape reaches towards two opposite directions:

low towards USP
high towards DSOP corner.

Opposition between the focus of the head, torso, legs and the reaching arms.

Possible interpretation - reaching towards a goal or memory or force, but at the same time being held or pulled back or resisting a force or attraction represented in the DSOP corner.

Activity

Generate 3 key shapes that clearly represent your concept/intent. Following the same format as above, document the use of space for each of the key shapes.

Time and Dynamics

Time

Time is the second element of dance.

The dancer moves with or against time. Dance movement takes up time, and a dance is performed in a prescribed amount of time.

Dynamics

Dynamics is the third element of dance. It has two main components: release of energy and weight or force. Dynamics is the interrelationship of force, the release of energy and time. How these factors are utilised produces a movement quality.

Movement quality is the look or aesthetic of a work. It is how you would describe the feeling of the work. Movement quality is descriptive. Examples of words that would be used to describe quality are; nervous, tense, smooth, floating, sad, sticky, prickly, heavy, grieving.

To achieve movement quality the choreographer employs dynamics.

Activity

Define the following terms in your own words: tempo, duration, momentum, accent, metre and stillness
Define the following terms in your own words: release of energy, weight and force
Record a brief phrase. Upload it to your journal and document the use of time and dynamics in your phrase. Include a series of pictures of the phrase.

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Image credits

All images from DoE Dance HSC booklet 2015.

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