Performance: Expressive Skills

Expressive Skills in Performance

Element to master these skills:

Focus: It’s key to maintain appropriate direction of gaze. This helps to involve the audience in the performance.
Facial expression: Conveying the mood and emotion of the dance to the audience enhances the overall performance.
Energy: The dynamics of the performance rely heavily on the correct use of energy. Remember the difference between sharp, sudden movements and smooth, flowing motions.
Projection: Envisage sending energy beyond your body to reach the audience. This can greatly enhance your stage presence.

Mastering these elements:

Rhythm: Follow the rhythm of the music consistently and accurately.
Phrasing: This relates to timing your movements to fit the musical phrases. Each phrase should have a beginning, middle, and end.
Accenting: Accents add emphasis to your dance. Understand where accents should be placed within the sequence of movements.
Expression: Dance to express, not to impress. Feel the music and express it through your movements.

Key details:

Directions: Being aware of and accurate with directions can deepen the meaning of your dance.
Pathways: This can refer to both the shape of movements you make in the air, and the pattern you trace on the floor.
Levels: Dancing at different levels (high, medium, low) creates visual interest and can enhance your performance.

Important considerations:

Spatial Relationships: Understand and maintain the distance and angles between you and other dancers.
Eye Contact: This creates a connection with your fellow performers, and can strengthen group performances.
Synchronicity: In group performances, paying attention to timing and movement quality for unity is key.
Responsiveness: Be aware of and react appropriately to your fellow performers. This can include moments of improvisation.