Self-critical appreciation: elevation

Self-critical appreciation: elevation

Understanding Elevation

• Elevation refers to the dancer’s ability to achieve height in jumps or leap movements.
• This aspect is often critical in many dance styles, from ballet’s grand jeté to contemporary dance’s floating leaps.

Body Strength and Technique

• Body strength is key to achieving good elevation; the power in your legs and core can significantly affect your capacity to leap or jump high.
• The technique is also crucial; the coordination of your plié (bend), spring off, and landing can impact your elevation.

Self-Assessment

• Self-critical evaluation involves identifying how well you manage elevation in your dance pieces and recognizing areas where you might improve.
• Review your performance and use of elevation. Can you maintain control and coordination during this movement?

Dance Practice

• Regular practice of jumps and leaps can enhance your elevation ability - focus on building strength in your legs and practicing your take-off and landing.
• Incorporate exercises specifically targeted at improving elevation into your dance training.

Balance and Stability

• Balance and stability are intrinsic to achieving good elevation without risking injury.
• Vertical alignment and a strong core can help maintain balance in the execution of elevated movements.

Performance Analysis

• Recording and reviewing performances can be beneficial in assessing and enhancing your use of elevation.
• Peer and teacher feedback can provide additional insights not visible to you as a performer in the moment.

Remember that consistently assessing and working on your abilities, including elevation, will contribute to overall dance performance improvement.