Vocab Words

Question 0

Contraction and Release:

Answer 0

Key elements in the Martha graham technique of modern dance. They refer to the moment of complete I himation of breath(the release) and the moment of total exhalation(the contraction. The contraction involves a posterior tilt of the pelvis, an intense scooping of the abdominals, and a rounded expansion through the thoracic area of the back.

Question 1

Accent

Answer 1

In music, accent refers to a stress or an emphasis on a musical event. Accents can be created by changes in loudness, by extreme pitches, and by rhythmic placement. In movement, accent refers to an impulse or emphasis.

Question 2

Core strength

Answer 2

Postural tone (strength) and connectivity of major muscles of the torso, pelvis, and shoulders.

Question 3

Dynamics

Answer 3

The use of weight, space, effort and time to create different energetic statements.

Question 4

Dynamic Rhythm

Answer 4

The quality of movement established as one uses greater or lesser energy to perform a movement.

Question 5

Extension

Answer 5

Stretching

Question 6

Flow

Answer 6

Movement tension that is either free or bound. Free flow can be thought of as unrestricted, and bound flow can be thought of as restricted.

Question 7

Head-tail connection

Answer 7

Sensing an energetic relationship between the head and the tailbone (coccyx); maintains the integrity of the spine moving as a unified system through space.

Question 8

Intension

Answer 8

Choices concerning weight, effort, space, time, and purpose made by the performer, in conjunction with the choreographer, that give distinction to the movement.

Question 9

Inversion

Answer 9

Moving the body upside down in space while bearing weight with arms, hands, shoulders or head.

Question 10

Kinesthetic memory

Answer 10

The ability to physically remember and repeat body actions or forms.

Question 11

Musicality

Answer 11

1) The mobility of a dancer to move responsibly to music. 2) Independent of music, the ability of a dancer to move with nuanced coherency, where all movement materials are given specific physical and dynamic expression in and of themselves and in relationship to each other.

Question 12

Navel to spine

Answer 12

The drawing inward and upward of the abdominal muscles and particularly the transverse abdominals, resulting in a hollow or scooped appearance in the waiste line.

Question 13

Oppositional pull/tension

Answer 13

The intensional pulling of the body parts in opposite directions, creating a resistance and thereby intensifying the movement. Te opposition of different part of the body is the instinctive method by which the body maintains equilibrium.

Question 14

Presence

Answer 14

The ability to be aware and fully invested in the present moment.

Question 15

Pulse

Answer 15

A beat at regular intervals.

Question 16

Release

Answer 16

The relationship of the body to gravity, and the ability to let go of unnecessary muscular tension.

Question 17

Spiral

Answer 17

Rotation of the spinal column along it’s vertical axis.

Question 18

Stability

Answer 18

Steadily holding a joint in order to create efficient movement in another joint.
Ex. Performing a leg swing while maintaining a stable supporting leg.

Question 19

Syncopation

Answer 19

A character of rhythm that develops when accents occur in unexpected places within an otherwise predictable or repetitive pattern.