​Dance is...

​The movement of the body, in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself.

(​Mackrell, J. 2021)

​There are five elements of dance:

• ​Body

• ​Action

• ​Space

• ​Time

• ​Energy

1. ​Body

​Dance is an art form of and by the HUMAN BODY.

​A dancer can use the whole body, or emphasize individual body parts, when moving or staying still.

(Kennedy, 2021)

​Action is any human movement involved in the act of dancing.

​Action includes small movements like facial expressions or gestures, as well as larger movements like lifts, carries, or catches done with a partner or in a group. “Action” is also considered the movement executed as the pauses or stillness between movements.

2. Action

(Kennedy, 2021)

​Space is where the action of dance takes place. Dance moves through space in an endless variety of ways.

​Space can be both indoors and outdoors, and some dances are created with specific spaces in mind.

3. Space

(Kennedy, 2021)

​Refers to the moment the body moves in relation to time.

​​It can refer to the speed of the movement or the moment it is executed. Every movement has a beginning and an end.

It can also be the moment a dancer starts performing.

4. Time

(Kennedy, 2021)

​Energy helps us to identify how the dancers move.

​Perhaps their movements are sharp and strong, or maybe they are light and free. Energy also represents the quality of the movement—its power and richness.

5. Energy

(Kennedy, 2021)

References:​​

Mackrell, Judith R.. "Dance". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Nov. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/art/dance.

​

​Kennedy, C., 2021. Do You Wanna Dance?. Kennedy-center.org. https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/dance/do-you-wanna-dance/