Dance Performance Vocabulary

1. Choreography

• intent of the ensemble
• the way a movement is executed in support of artistic intent
• the sequence of steps and movements in dance
• dancers moving in the exact same way, at the exact same time.

2. Performance Quality

• the dancer's ability to communicate the artistic intent through facial expressions and movement quality
• Physical presentation of a dance performance on stage during a performance
• Physical presentation of a performer on stage during a performance
• a practice or trial performance of a dance or other work for later public performance

Formation

• how people use different areas of the performance space
• the relationship of dancers to each other and the performance space in dance choreography
• the way a movement is executed in support of artistic intent
• how everyone should dance on stage when watching presentations.

4. Movement Quality

• the way an ensemble is put together in support of artistic intent
• the way a movement is executed in support of artistic intent
• practicing the sequence of dance formations to support the artistic intent
• the way a formation is executed in support of artistic intent

5. Stage Directions

• the direction of dancers to each other and the performance space in dance choreography
• areas of the performance space including Center Stage, Downstage, Stage Left, Stage Right and Upstage
• the direction a movement is executed in support of artistic intent
• different facial expressions

6. Choreographer

• A person dancing for the audience during a performance
• A person practicing the sequence of dance formations within choreography
• A person who creates the sequence of steps and movements in dance
• A director of a performance by a dancer on stage

7. Stage Presence

• movement quality used in choreography
• feelings and emotions on one’s face to support artistic intent
• emojis we use to express ourselves
• a quality in which the dancer is fully embodying the movement and artistic intent of the choreography while drawing the attention of the audience

8. Blocking

• protecting the group formations and spacing with practice
• practicing the sequence of dance formations within choreography
• practicing a group of dancers performing together
• a group of musicians performing together

Artistic Intent

• practicing the sequence of dance formations within choreography
• the purpose, main idea, and/or expressive or communicative goal(s) of a dance composition study, work, or performance
• the dancer's ability to communicate the artistic intent through facial expressions and movement quality
• the relationship of dancers to each other and the performance space in dance choreography

10. Rehearsal

• a dance class
• a practice of a dance for later public performance
• a group of dancers performing together
• a dance performance given in public