Self-critical appreciation: timing

Self-critical appreciation: timing

Understanding Qualities and Skills of a Dancer

Physical skills

  • Flexibility: The ability to use a full range of movement in various muscle groups.

  • Strength and stamina: The power to perform intense choreography and continue over long periods of time.

  • Controlled, coordinated movements: Having full control over each action, performing them deliberately and with finesse.

  • Good posture and alignment: Ensuring the body is correctly aligned, contributing to more efficient movements and less risk of injury.

Expressive skills

  • Projection: The ability to extend energy beyond the physical body and reach the audience, effectively conveying the character or theme of the dance.

  • Focus: Using eye contact and facial expressions to communicate the dance’s intention.

  • Use of space: Knowing about the space around oneself and being able to move within that space precisely and confidently.

Choreography and Performance Evaluation

Using choreographic devices and structures

  • Repetition: Reinforces movements and motifs (a distinctive sequence of movements).

  • Contrast: Adds diversity and interest with different movements.

  • Highlights: Draws attention to specific moments through changes in rhythm, movement or dancer arrangement.

Interpreting and realising artistic intention

  • Demonstrates understanding: Successfully interpreting and bringing the choreographer’s vision to life.

  • Conveys meaning and emotion: Effectively communicates the intent or mood of the piece to the audience.

Appreciating own and others’ work

  • Constructive feedback: The ability to provide and accept valuable feedback about performances.

  • Positive self-evaluation: Identifying personal strengths and weaknesses accurately, and creating action plans to improve.

Understanding Professional Works

Learning from professionals

  • Study of various styles and genres: Widens the dancer’s understanding and skills, and provides inspiration for their own work.

  • Dissection of professional choreography: Noting and understanding choices made by professionals and considering the potential impact of these on their own choreography.

Influence on own practice

  • Appreciation for techniques: Using seen techniques as an opportunity for personal development in their own choreography.

  • Critique and analysis: Understanding strengths and weaknesses of professional work, to aid in the improvement and development of their own work.