What is Technique in Dance? An Examination of Dance Techniques and Their Importance

In the art of dance, technique is the fundamental backbone that supports the entire performance. It is the set of principles, practices, and specific movements that bring dance to life, allowing it to communicate stories, emotions, and ideas effectively. What follows is an exploration of what technique means in dance and why it is so crucial.

Dance Technique Defined

Dance technique can be seen as the language of dance, comprising the set of movements and steps that are inherent in various dance styles. It involves precision in execution, proper body alignment, breath control, and coordination. Dance technique also encompasses the ability to perform movements with fluidity, ease, and artistic expression.

The Importance of Technique in Dance

Dance technique serves several purposes. Here are some reasons why it holds significant importance in dance:

1. Expression of Emotions: Through technique, a dancer can convey their emotions effectively. The precision and timing of movements help communicate joy, sorrow, anger, love, and other emotions.
2. Efficiency in Movement: Dance technique enhances efficiency in movement, enabling a dancer to perform a series of steps without getting fatigued quickly. This efficiency results from practicing and internalizing specific patterns of movements.
3. Artistic Interpretation: Technique allows a dancer to interpret dance pieces artistically. By mastering the technique of a particular dance style, a dancer can understand the music, story, or theme better and present it effectively on stage.
4. Precision and Accuracy: Dance technique ensures precision and accuracy in performance. It helps a dancer maintain balance, execute steps correctly, and maintain a consistent pace throughout the dance routine.
5. Aesthetics: Dance technique contributes to the overall aesthetic value of dance. A dancer who has mastered their technique will look more graceful and pleasing to the eye as they perform.

Dance Techniques Across Different Styles

The importance of technique in dance varies depending on the dance style being performed. For instance:

• In ballet, technique is essential for maintaining proper body alignment and executing steps with precision and clarity.
• In contemporary dance, technique is important for expressing emotions through movement and creating a seamless flow of movement that is both graceful and powerful.
• In hip-hop dance, technique is crucial for performing steps with precision and executing street-style dance moves smoothly and creatively.

In every dance genre or style that you look at or appreciate within this art form or craft — no matter whether it’s Flamenco or Indian classical dance — there is an underlying technique that holds the entire performance together. Without it, dance would be merely random movements without any purpose or direction. The mastery of dance technique is an ongoing journey that every dancer strives to achieve throughout their dance career.

Questions for further thought:

1. What are some dance techniques specific to your favorite dance style? What makes them important?
2. How does mastering dance technique aid a dancer in expressing their emotions through movement?
3. How does dance technique contribute to the overall aesthetic value of dance? Give examples from different dance styles to support your answer.