- Definition
The "elements of dance" are the basic ingredients that make up any dance, like the body's movements, the energy used, how dancers relate to each other or objects, the space they move in, and the timing or rhythm of the dance.
Making your body small and tight like a seed uses the elements of body shape and space.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: The elements of dance are like the ingredients you mix together to create a dance.
Ask your child: Can you show me a strong move and then a light one?
Common mix-up: Kids may think dance is just about copying moves. Dance is really about choosing how to use your body, space, and energy to create movement.
Examples
- Stomping your feet with strong energy is different from tiptoeing with light energy.
- Clapping a fast rhythm and then a slow one explores the element of time.
- Dancing side-by-side with a friend without touching shows a relationship in space.
elements of dance is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 2 The Arts
- Grade 3 The Arts
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 5 The Arts
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
+3 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
