Quartet: Physical/Technical Skills

Flexibility and Control

Quartet requires dancers to demonstrate flexibility and control in the execution of movements.
The routine integrates a series of intricate movements, including lifts, that demand a high degree of lower and upper body control.
Dancers should emphasise on active and passive flexibility to execute the movements with precision.
Bear in mind the use of dynamic tension which is a crucial aspect that adds intensity and dramatic effect in the dance.

Effort and Energy

Attention should be paid to the output and control of physical effort.
The introduction of certain movements with an explosive energy contrasts well with softer, more fluid movements.
Muscular strength and muscular endurance provide the necessary power to the lifts, jumps and sustained movements in the routine.
Dancers should understand how to utilise their energy efficiently for sustained performances.

Spatial Awareness and Use of Space

Quartet demands a high level of spatial awareness – a dancer’s sense of their surroundings, and their ability to react to them.
Judgement of space and the understanding of body alignment to orient oneself is integral.
It is important to have a strong understanding of dance configurations for structured execution of movement in relation to the other dancers.
Understanding directionality is essential to execute movements in various planes within a given space.

Rhythm and Timing

Quartet is rich in rhythmic complexity, thus a solid understanding of rhythm is essential for all the dancers.
Dancers need to be capable of quick tempo changes and sudden shifts in rhythm.
Being in unison throughout and maintaining proper timing is vital for the choreography’s impact.
The dancers should have the skill of syncopation to emphasise on unexpected beats.

Proprioception

A dancer involved in the Quartet performance must possess good proprioception – a sense of the relative position of body parts.
Balancing on one foot or a lift requires understanding of the body’s balance and orientation in space.
This insight allows dancers to move with agility and grace, whilst minimising risk of injury.

Strength and Stamina

Quartet requires performers to exhibit both strength and stamina.
Repetitive sequences will test the performers’ stamina and their ability to maintain high energy levels throughout the performance.
The dance’s physical rigor requires significant muscle strength, particularly in the core and lower body.`