Elements of Dance Art Movement (EDAM)

In Chapter 5, students are expected to be able to appreciate and create dance arts, namely:

Identifying elements of dance movement based on space, time, and energy
Describing dance movement elements based on space, time, and energy
Performing dance movements based on space, time and energy
Carrying out associations of dance movement elements based on space, time, and energy with the attitudes and socio-culture of the community, and
Communicating dance movement elements based on space, time, and energy both verbally and/or in writing.

Living things move every day. Movement is the main characteristic of life. Movement done by living things fills space and time. When living things move, they need energy. So space-time-energy cannot be separated from movement. Observe the following picture carefully!

After you observe the picture above, answer the questions below:

Are there any differences in each element of the dance movements performed?
Does the movement pose have space?
How long does it take to do the move?
How much force is used to make the movement?

You can observe dance movements from other sources such as the internet, watching performances via VCD, and other learning sources. You can observe dance movements that are developing in your area, but you can also observe dances from other areas.

Discussion Sheet Format

After you have filled in the column about the region of origin of the traditional dance, then discuss it with your friends and fill in the column below.

Dance Movement Observation Results Discussion Format

Member's name :
Name of the dance observed:
Observation day/date:

A. Understanding Dance Movement Elements

You have observed dance movements from various learning sources. You have also discussed the results of these observations. Of course, among you, you have different perceptions because perhaps the dances observed are also different. Each dance has a variety of different movements but has similarities, namely that the movement forms space, requires time, and energy in doing the movement.

Indonesia has a variety of dance movements that differ from one tribe to another. This diversity is a cultural wealth as a result of human creativity. Figure 5.1 shows a variety of dance movements that form curved lines. Curved movements give meaning to dynamism and continuity. The movements are performed in unison by the dancers facing the property symbol of a burning fire. Fire symbolizes the spirit of never giving up and continuing to burn.

The dance movements are also shown in Figure 5.2. The dancers with stick props give the impression that less energy is used because the movements performed are symbolic of the movements of old people.

Dance movements with the impression of strong power and the impression of straight space are shown in Figure 5.3, namely the Saman dance group. The energy used to dance Saman is very large because the movements are very dynamic. Saman dance grew and developed in the Aceh region. This dance is accompanied by songs containing praise to God Almighty by the dancers. Saman dance has not only developed in the Aceh region but also in big cities in Indonesia, one of which is Jakarta.

The substance or basic element of dance is movement. Movement in dance will be different from the movement done everyday. Movement in dance is done rhythmically and has meaning while everyday movement emphasizes more on functional movement.

Soedarsono, one of the dance experts in Indonesia, stated that dance is an expression of the human soul that is manifested through rhythmic and beautiful movements. This definition means that dance consists of rhythmic movements, is an expression of expression, and has beautiful movements.

B. Space, Time, and Energy

The basic element of dance is movement. Movement includes space, time, and energy.

1. Space

If you do movement in place without standing, it means you are moving in private space, while if you move from place to place, you are moving in public space. Movement in space can be done alone, in pairs or in groups. Figure 5.4 shows movement in private space in groups. Each person does a different movement.

2. Time

Every movement that is done requires time, both aesthetic and functional movements. Functional movements such as walking to school certainly require time. If the distance traveled is close, the time needed is less compared to a long distance. If a long distance is to be as fast as a short distance to arrive at a place, then the movement that is done must have a speed of two or three times that of a short distance.

The difference between fast and slow movements is related to tempo. So tempo is how fast or slow the movements are. Dance movements also have tempo. The function of tempo in dance movements is to give a dynamic impression so that the dance is enjoyable to enjoy.

Dance movements also have tempo

3. Power

Every time you do a movement, of course you need energy. The use of energy in dance movements includes; (a) intensity, which is related to the quantity of energy in the dance that produces a level of tension in the movement; (b) accent/stress appears when the movement is done suddenly and in contrast; (c) quality is related to how to use or channel energy. If the movement done has high intensity, of course it requires strong energy and vice versa, movements with low intensity require weak or little energy.

low intensity movement

Look at Figure 5.6, a dancer standing on the backs of his two friends. The energy used by dancers to hold their friends is certainly greater than when standing on their backs. The strength to hold his friend was focused on his two legs. The energy released by the two dancers supporting their friend will be stronger if they move from one place to another.

the dancer stands on the backs of his two friends

Compare this with the movement pose in Figure 5.7 which shows the feet supported on the floor with a slight tiptoe. The power released is not as big and strong as in figure 5.8. The dance movements are based on traditional Papuan dance, which uses a lot of energy in the legs. Fast and rhythmic footwork is one of the characteristics of Papuan dance. The dance movements that focus on the feet of Papuan dance are influenced by natural geographical conditions in the form of mountains. People living in mountainous areas require strong legs to be able to climb and descend hills. This kind of social and cultural life also influences dance works.

After reading the concepts of space, time, and energy, answer the questions below:

Explain the relationship between motion and space.
Explain the relationship between motion and time.
Explain the relationship between motion and energy.
How to preserve and develop dance in Indonesia?
Do you agree or disagree with the development of dance arts originating from abroad in big cities in Indonesia?

Exploring Movement Activity Activity 1

Explore movement based on space, time, and energy.
The moving images in activity 1 are a stimulation for you to explore movement.
You can find sources of movement stimulation from various learning sources.
The purpose of exploring activity 1 is so that you have an awareness of personal movement in space, time, and energy.

Exploring Movement Activity Activity 2

Explore movement using a variety of props.
The moving images in activity 2 that use properties are a stimulation for you in exploring movement.
You can find sources of movement stimulation from various learning sources using different properties.
The purpose of exploring activity 2 is so that you have personal movement awareness by using various kinds of properties.

Exercise 1

Umbrella is one of the properties that can be used in doing movement exercises based on space, time and energy. Movement using an umbrella can create various variations of space by using time and energy according to the character of the movement being performed.

Exercise 2

Fans are one of the properties that can be used in dancing. Each region in Indonesia has a fan according to the characteristics of each region. There are Balinese, Javanese, Sumatran, Sulawesi and also Maluku fans. So almost all regions in Indonesia have fans as one of the regional identities.

Exercise 3

Do the movements in pairs by following the examples in the picture.

Coconut shell is one of the properties that can be used in dancing. Almost all tribes in Indonesia have coconut trees. Coconut trees can grow on the beach and also in the mountains. In some areas coconut trees can also be used as raw materials for making houses, household appliances, even the Scout symbol uses coconut seeds.

Coconut shells in certain areas are associated with socio-cultural activities. Coconut shells are used as water scoops, rice measuring tools, and other household equipment.

Activity 3

Wing Spreading Movement

Do this movement by expanding both hands from bottom to top.
Feel when doing the movement of spreading the wings
There is a space that is formed when doing movement
There is force used when lifting both hands up
There is time used when doing movement
Do this movement at a fast-medium-slow tempo.
Feel the difference when you move.

2. Perching Movement

Wing Spreading Movement

Perform a perching movement by jumping from right to left and vice versa from left to right
Feel the energy used when moving.
Feel the tempo of space-time-energy when doing movement.
Do various movements to the right, left, front and back.

3. Pecking Movement

Do a pecking motion with your right hand bent in front of your chest and your left hand straight out to the side.
Move both hands together as if pecking and the left foot moves forward step by step to the count of four.
Do it alternately with the left hand in the same position.
Feel it.

4. Spreading Wings

Do a diagonal wing spread without using a scarf or other props.
Feel the difference in space-time-energy when moving using the shawl property and without the property.
If there are any differences, note them down.
You can replace the shawl property as wings by using a fan, long cloth, sarong or other objects.
Feel the difference when doing movements using different properties
Do the four types of movements with counting and if possible with accompaniment.

C. Competency Test

Knowledge

Explain what is meant by space in dance?
Explain what is meant by time in dance?
Explain what is meant by energy in dance?

Skills

Perform 5 series of movements continuously based on space, time, and energy.

D. Summary

Based on the material that has been explained, it can be concluded that dance movements consist of space, time, and energy. Which can be described briefly as follows; (1) space in movement is the effect caused by the movement that is done; (2) time in movement is the rhythmic unit of the movement that is done; (3) energy in movement is the unit of strength that is released in doing the movement.

E. Reflection

In Chapter 5, you have learned about the elements of dance movement. This learning material not only provides skills and knowledge but also can learn about attitude.

You have learned about space in motion. Space is formed by the movement that is done. In life, you also always move from one place to another, from one job to another. Movement in space will certainly be related to other people who are also moving. In order not to collide with each other in doing movement, an attitude of tolerance and mutual respect is needed. If you move in the space provided and respect others, it will create a sense of security and comfort. Imagine if we ride a motorbike in the middle of a traffic jam and move without tolerance to other people, of course it will make the traffic jam worse and longer.

You have learned about time in doing movement. There are values that you can apply in life related to time. Time continues to flow both in dance movement and also in real life. In life, of course, you are in contact with other people both at school and around your place of residence. You have the same time in life, which is 24 hours. Among you, of course, there are those who use their time well but may also waste time playing games that have no meaning. Time should be used as effectively and efficiently as possible. Time will never come back because yesterday's time is not the same as now and in the future.

You have also learned about power based on the movement that is done. Power is the energy to be able to do work. You can use your power for positive things such as channeling sports or art hobbies. Don't use your power for negative things such as brawls because it will harm yourself.

Next, do a self-assessment by checking columns 1, 2, 3, and 4 according to your opinion.

Communicating Activities

You have carried out dance movement learning activities based on space, time, and energy.
Write about the learning outcomes of one of your friends in the form of dance movements that they performed.
The maximum writing is 50 words and is based on the results of observations of movement carried out by one of your friends.
The writing provides constructive criticism so that you and your friends know your weaknesses and shortcomings so that you can perform the dance movements better.

Source:

Arts and Culture / Ministry of Education and Culture.

Revised Edition. Jakarta Ministry of Education and Culture, 2014. viii pp., 132 pp.; illus. 17.6 x 25 cm