The Three Movement Components

The Three Movement Components

Action

  • Action refers to the physical movements or dynamics that can be visually identified within a routine.
  • There are five significant actions including: travelling, jumping, turning, gesturing, and stillness.
  • While each action can be distinct and separate, combining these movements can aid in expressing a specific narrative or mood.
  • The dynamic qualities or effort actions (such as pressing, flicking, wringing or gliding) are essential in choreography as they add variation and depth to the performance.

Space

  • Space pertains to how the dancer uses the performance area and negotiates around other dancers, props, or scenery.
  • This component is broken down into three categories: direction, level, and dimension.
  • Direction refers to the way the dancer moves. Examples of direction include forward, backward, sideways, up, down, and diagonal.
  • Level is the height at which movement is performed, such as low, medium, or high.
  • Dimension refers to the size of the movement - small, medium or large.
  • Choreographers must ensure they create a balance and variety within their spatial use to make the performance visually captivating.

Dynamics

  • Dynamics relate to the energy, speed, and attack with which a movement is performed.
  • Also classed as the movement’s texture, it provides an additional expression method.
  • Dynamic variations can include but are not limited to: sudden, sustained, percussive, swinging and collapsing.
  • Altering the dynamics during a routine can dramatically impact the performance’s overall mood and atmosphere.
  • Dynamics provide choreographers with a tool to enhance emotional expression and aid narrative progression.

In summary, effectively using the three movement components - action, space, and dynamics - can notably enhance the expressivity and impact of a dance choreography. Each component offers unique qualities in developing a narrative, setting a mood, and engaging with the audience. It is essential for choreographers to understand and apply these components constructively within their work.