Making

Ideas

Exploration, improvisation and experimentation of movement ideas to choreograph dance that explores character/mood and communicates meaning (ACADAM009)

Skills

Selection and integration of the four (4) elements of dance (BEST)

  • Body:
    • body parts (gestures)
    • body actions (arm and leg gestures that lead toward, away from and around own)
    • body zones (front, back, sideways, cross-lateral)
    • body bases (feet, knees, hands, buttocks)
  • Energy:
    • controlling and combining different movement qualities (sharp to soft, floppy to stiff, smooth to jagged)
    • force (strong to gentle)
    • weight (heavy, light)
    • flow (connection of movements, tight and contained or freely moving)
  • Space:
    • levels (medium, low, high, moving between levels)
    • direction (forward and backward, diagonal, circular)
    • group formations (small or large groups of dancers in lines, circles, diagonals, clusters, squares) throughout the space
    • personal space and general space
    • positive and negative space
    • dimensions (big, small, narrow, wide)
    • shape (straight, curved, angular, twisted, closed, circular, symmetry to asymmetry, angular to curved, centre, off‑centre, complementary, contrasting)
    • pathways (in the air with the arms, under, over, on the floor)
  • Time:
    • tempo (fast, slow, slowing down, speeding up)
    • rhythm (regular, irregular)
    • stillness (pausing, freezing, holding a shape then continuing dance sequence)
    • duration (long and short movements)
    • acceleration/deceleration
    • accent (emphasis placed on a movement)
  • to choreograph dance (ACADAM009)

Use of the choreographic devices of repetition, contrast, unison and canon when choreographing group dance (ACADAM009)

Combinations of increasingly complex fundamental movement skills, incorporating directional and spatial changes that develop body awareness, coordination, control, balance, strength, and accuracy (ACADAM010)

Safe dance practices, including knowing their own body capabilities when participating in dance lessons or rehearsals (ACADAM010)

Performance

Rehearsal processes (applying feedback) to improve dance performance (ACADAM011)

Performance skills (including using focus, clarity of movement and facial expressions) to reflect character/mood and acknowledging the audience when presenting dance (ACADAM011)