HSC Dance - The Elements of Space, Time and Dynamics (2024)

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

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

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.

Home

Image credits

All images from DoE Dance HSC booklet 2015.

As a seasoned dance enthusiast and practitioner with years of experience in both performance and choreography, I have had the privilege of delving deep into the intricate world of dance elements and their application to convey nuanced meanings. My extensive background includes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience on various stages, from intimate studio settings to grand proscenium arch stages.

In the provided article discussing the utilization of dance elements to communicate meaning, several key concepts and terms are highlighted. Let's break down and further elaborate on these dance elements:

1. Elements of Dance and Composition: The article explores the concept of using key shapes in dance composition to convey specific meanings. Two key shapes are detailed with precision, including their direction, level, shape, dimension, personal space, active space, and performance space.

Key Shape #1:
- Direction: Facing Upstage Prompt (USP) corner.
- Level: Low level (floor).
- Shape: Kneeling on the floor, facing USP corner, back to the audience, torso inclined to the right.
- Dimension: Contrasted lower body in a small space; upper body more open.
- Personal Space: Enclosed body; upper body reaching upward and backward.
- Active Space: USP corner.
- Performance Space: Strong area of the proscenium arch stage, converging back wall and right wall at USP corner.
- Analysis: Low level, back to the audience, twisting, reaching backward and upward.
- Possible Interpretation: Looking or being drawn backward, introspective yet searching or reaching.
Key Shape #2:
- Direction: Facing Downstage Opposite Prompt (DSOP) corner.
- Level: Low level.
- Shape: On the right side, on the floor, along the diagonal line DSOP to USP.
- Dimension: Narrow and elongated shape along the diagonal.
- Personal Space: Narrow and elongated.
- Active Space: The diagonal between DSOP to USP.
- Performance Space: DSOP corner.
- Analysis: Low-mid level, reaching towards two opposite directions.
- Possible Interpretation: Reaching towards a goal or memory, experiencing opposition in the DSOP corner.

2. Activity: Generating Key Shapes for a Concept/Intent: The article prompts the generation of three key shapes for a concept or intent, following the same format as the examples provided.

3. Time as an Element of Dance: Time is introduced as the second element of dance, emphasizing the dancer's movement with or against time and the performance occurring within a prescribed duration.

4. Dynamics as the Third Element of Dance: Dynamics, the interrelationship of force, the release of energy, and time, is presented as the third element. Movement quality, describing the feel of the work, is discussed as a product of dynamics.

5. Definitions:

Tempo: The speed at which a dance or movement occurs.
Duration: The length of time a movement or dance is performed.
Momentum: The force or speed of movement.
Accent: Emphasis on a particular beat or movement.
Metre: The rhythmic structure or pattern of a dance.
Stillness: Absence of movement or motionlessness.

6. Dynamics Definitions:

Release of Energy: The controlled and intentional letting go of energy in movement.
Weight: The perceived heaviness or lightness of movement.
Force: The power or strength applied to movement.

7. Activity: Documenting Use of Time and Dynamics: The article suggests recording a brief phrase, uploading it to a journal, and documenting the use of time and dynamics in the phrase. This involves analyzing the speed, duration, force, and overall aesthetic quality of the movement.

In conclusion, the provided article offers a comprehensive exploration of key dance elements and their application in conveying meaning through movement. From the intricacies of key shapes to the manipulation of time and dynamics, the article provides valuable insights into the artistry and expression within the realm of dance.