Organizer #2: Dance Vocabulary

AB
AB is a thematic composition structure that provides contrast and variety. The A part represents one phrase of specified length and B represents a different phrase of specified length. The A and B phrases are made to complement and enhance each other, but deal with two sides of the same theme or two different themes.

ABA
ABA is an extension of the AB structure. After the B phrase, the piece returns to an altered version of the A phrase. The second A phrase can be manipulated by changing the tempo, size, rhythm, or quality of the movement or by fragmenting, repeating, or changing the order of the sequence.

Canon
In music, a two- or more part composition in which each part is identical to the other but each voice enters at different times. Rounds such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" are a type of canon. In dance, a single theme or movement sequence that is executed by two or more dancers at different times.

Contraction
The tightening of a muscle or group of muscles to cause flexion of a joint or body area.

Floor Pattern
The path traveled during a movement sequence.

High Point
A contrast to the low points that occur in a sequence of movement. The high point can be at the beginning, end, or both ends of the sequence. It can start with a bang, build to a bang, or build to a bang and die out.

Isolation
Moving individual parts of the body (body centers) independently of others.

Mirroring
The leader and follower face each other. The follower imitates the leader as if in a mirror (see "shadowing").

Pathways
The path on the floor along which a dancer or group of dancers moves.

Polycentrism
Coordinating two or more body centers at the same time.

Release
A change from a state of tension to a letting go or a release of tension.

Rondo
This form relates to ABA but can continue for an unidentified period of time (e.g., ABACADA, etc.). The A phrase can be repeated exactly or varied.

Shadowing
Similar to "mirroring" except the leader faces away from the follower, with the follower shadowing the leader's movement (see "mirroring").

Solo
One dancer dancing with or without accompaniment.

Syncopation
A shifting of the accent or emphasis from the beginning of a beat or group of beats.