Communication of Dance Ideas

UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION OF DANCE IDEAS

  • Communication is integral to dance and is carried out in a number of different ways.

  • This process allows the choreographer to translate their emotions, ideas, or narratives into a dance work.

  • Communication in dance covers a broad spectrum spanning from the expression of human emotion to the portrayal of abstract concepts.

  • The manner of communication in dance is heavily influenced by factors such as the styles of dance, cultural context, and the intended audience.

VARIOUS FORMS OF COMMUNICATION

  • Communication can take the form of gestures or movements that mimic the natural language or everyday behaviour.

  • It may involve novel or stylised movements created to depict an idea, narrative, or emotion.

  • Use of props, lighting, costume, or different artistic mediums like music or painting can contribute to the communication of dance ideas.

  • Dramatic performances in dance, where the dancer becomes a character and performs a storyline, evoke emotional responses and enhance communication.

SIGNIFICANCE OF COMMUNICATION

  • A successful communication allows the audience to connect with the dancers and understand the story, emotion, or concept being projected.

  • Effective communication can evoke an emotional response from the audience and engage them intellectually.

  • It enables dancers and choreographers to express their creative voice and articulate their artistic visions.

THE CHOREOGRAPHER’S ROLE

  • Choreographers need to work closely with dancers to ensure that their ideas are accurately realised and communicated.

  • The choreographer has to ensure that the dance idea is suitably represented in the chosen style, which might include ballet, contemporary, or classical Indian dance, among others.

  • They may use elements such as intensity, speed and energy of movements to evoke emotions and assist in communication.

  • The choreographer plays an essential role in deciding how costuming, props, lighting, and music contribute to the dance’s communication.

THE DANCER’S ROLE

  • Dancers are the primary medium through which the dance ideas are communicated.

  • They must understand the intention behind each movement to be able to effectively convey the meaning to the audience.

  • A dancer’s use of facial expression and body language can greatly impact the quality of communication.

  • Dancers also contribute to communication through their interpretation and performance of the choreographer’s work, adding their unique artistic flair and emotional understanding.