Space

In the HSC you will be awarded 8 marks in total for this area of study.

NESA Marking criteria

1a: Generating movement in relation to dance composition for 2 or 3 dancers based on a stated concept/intent (8 marks)

The student will be assessed on how well he/she:

• composes movement for 2 or 3 dancers in a personal style based on the stated concept/intent within the context of dance as an artform.

The student demonstrates skills and understanding of:

• manipulation of the elements of dance (space, time and dynamics) for 2 or 3 dancers
• personal style
• abstraction.

Space refers to the personal and general space used by the dancing body and is the where element of dance.

• Where can the body go?
• Where does the dance take place?

Relationships between two or three dancers are paramount in the communication of the choreographic intent. Dance is a visual art. If the movement were stopped at any moment during the dance, the relationship of the dancers should be as apparent as a visual picture. There can also be relationships explored in the space between the dancers and the props/costumes (additional considerations).

Relationships are established by the dancer’s placement within the performance space, use of complimentary and contrasting movements and organising the movement so that no dancer is made less important in communicating the choreographic intent.

Manipulating space for two or three dancers

Let’s look how meaning can be communicated in the space by manipulating the following:

• use of opposing shapes, contrasting and complimentary shapes
• change in levels
• differing size in movements
• change in direction
• different spatial pathways
• use of performance space – weaker and stronger areas of the stage space.

Communicating intention through shape

When you compose a dance you will need to consider the body shapes that you create in the space to communicate meaning.

Types of shapes:

• straight lines and angles
• curvy or organic shapes
• ppen shapes
• closed shapes
• combination of closed and open
• symmetrical shapes
• asymmetrical shapes
• complementary and contrasting shapes
• centre and off centre shapes.

Manipulating level for two or three dancers

Level refers to the movement up and down the vertical axis. For example, high movements usually occur in high level, and floor movements are in the low level. It can create images of power play, defines relationship status and it can qualify a person’s emotional state. Level is an element of dance that can be used to create contrast and variety and interest in a work.