Elements of Dance

Front

1. Body

Back

What it is: The instrument of dance — the human body. Focus areas: Body parts (arms, legs, head), shapes (curved, angular), body systems (muscles, bones), and actions (jumping, turning, stretching). Examples: Isolation of body parts, balance, posture.

Front

2. Time

Back

What it is: The relationship of movement to time. Focus areas: Tempo (fast/slow), rhythm, beat, duration, syncopation. Examples: Dancing to a slow waltz vs. a fast hip-hop beat.

Front

3. Space

Back

What it is: Where the body moves. Focus areas: Direction, level (high, medium, low), size, pathway (straight, curved), focus (where the dancer looks). Examples: Leaping forward, moving in a circular pathway, using the entire stage.

Front

4. Energy (or Force)

Back

What it is: How the movement happens. Focus areas: Quality of movement—sharp vs. smooth, heavy vs. light, sustained vs. sudden. Examples: A powerful stomp vs. a gentle glide.