1. Space, Time, Force…& More

2.  1. Locomotor—movement that travels through space and usually requires the transfer of weight from one foot to the other.  Walk, skip, gallop, run, slide, leap, hop  2. Non-locomotor (Axial)—movement that does not travel through space.  Anchored to one spot by a body part and centers on an axis of the body.  Bend, stretch, twist, turn, swing, sway, push, pull, rise, fall, dodge

3.  1. SPACE:  a. personal space—the space immediately surrounding his or her own body.  Includes levels, planes, and areas from the center of the body outward in all directions.  b. general space—the larger area where the movement will occur.

4.  Movement can occur in space in different ways:  a. using direction—forward, backward, or diagonal.  b. creating pathways—straight or curved.  c. creating patterns—on the floor or in air.

5.  Levels and shape are used by dancers to create interest for an audience.  a. Levels are high, medium, or low.  b. Shape can occur in an individual’s body or through the formation of a group.  c. Shape can be symmetrical (visually balanced) or asymmetrical (visually unbalanced).

6.  The use of space also requires the creation of focus—where the viewer’s eyes will be drawn.  Single focus—draws attention to the direction of the movement.  Multi-focus—allows the dancers to change head and eye focus during the movement.  Choreographers and dancers also consider the size of the movement or the range of motion in a given space.  How much space will the movement require?

7.  Time—the use of beat, rhythmic pattern and duration of movement (how long it lasts).  Accent—a bold or strong emphasis in the movement.  Choreography contains a variety of types of accent.

8.  Force—movement that is heavy or light, is sharp or smooth, has tension or relaxation, is bound or flowing.  Force is distinguished by the release of potential energy into kinetic energy.  Force uses the weight of the body and demonstrates the effects of gravity.  Percussive, suspended, sustained, or collapsing.