Dance Styles and Forms

What this unit covers

The unit brings together dance styles from around the world, plus the vocabulary used to describe them. Mind maps make up the biggest share. Some are single-style maps, such as Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Chhau, Jazz, Tango and Banghra. Others are wider overviews, such as TYPES OF DANCE and Dances of the world.

Where to start

Begin with the vocabulary. The AQA Dance Terminology flashcards define terms such as unison, alignment, motif, projection and stamina. Because the page lists GCSE Dance, these terms are a sensible base for school students. Then open the mind map called Dance, which sets out ballet, lyrical, tap, hip-hop and pointe in short notes.

Going deeper into one style

Indian classical dance has the most depth here. Try this order:

1. Read the Bharatanatyam mind map for its origins in Tamil Nadu and its link to Bhakti Yoga.
2. Look at the Bharatanatyam flow chart, which splits the form into content, technique and stories.
3. Take the Bharatanatyam quiz.
4. Move on to the Natya quiz, which asks about the Natyaveda and its pre-presentation rituals.

For a different tradition, the Maori performing arts mind map covers waiata tangi, whaikorero and carving. The Gold Star Tap Theory flashcards are practical, with questions on rhythm, body hold and what an examiner looks for.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, then close it and take a quiz on the same style. Note what you missed, go back to the map, and try again. Flashcards work well for short gaps in the day, such as Dance keywords or Saftey In Dance.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Dance Styles, History and Technique in Performing arts (theatre, dance). It also touches choreography, with maps on the choreographic process and on Jerome Robbins. Teachers can pull single maps or decks into lessons. Choose one style today and see how much you can recall.