Dance Appreciation: Features of Production

• Understanding “Dance Appreciation: Features of Production” encompasses not only the choreography but all the elements that contribute to the final performance.

• This includes factors such as lighting, sound, costume, and set design, all of which can enhance the theme, mood, and story of the dance.

• Choreography refers to the creation and composition of dance patterns, sequences, and structures. A choreographer will often work closely with the rest of the production team to ensure these align with the other features.

• Sound or music plays a crucial role in dance production. It can create an emotional landscape, support rhythmic movements, establish a culture or time period and help to convey the narrative.

• Lighting is another crucial feature and can be utilised to cast shadows, highlight specific areas, create a certain mood or set the time of day. It can transform the stage and influence how the audience perceives the performance.

• Costume is essentially the clothing worn by dancers on stage. This can denote the role of a character, reflect the dance style, and complement the overall aesthetic of the performance.

• Set design refers to the creation of the dancing space, backdrop, and any props used. A well-thought-out set design can enhance the narrative and give depth to the performance.

• The size and shape of the stage are also essential to accommodate specific dance formations and movements. Choreographers will consider this when creating their steps and patterns.

• Production features are intertwined and enhance one another. For example, the costume and lighting should complement each other and the sound or music chosen should reflect the dance style.

• Lastly, in appreciating a dance performance, learners must take into consideration all these features and how they interplay to create a comprehensive, effective performance.