Dance Lessons Dance Performance and Choreography 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'technical rehearsal' (tech rehearsal) in dance performance?
- A rehearsal focused only on difficult steps
- A rehearsal integrating lighting, sound, and stage elements with the dance, focusing on technical production elements rather than performance quality (Correct answer)
- A rehearsal for the most technically advanced dancers
- A filmed rehearsal for technical review
Correct answer: A rehearsal integrating lighting, sound, and stage elements with the dance, focusing on technical production elements rather than performance quality
A technical rehearsal (or 'tech') integrates all production elements — lighting cues, sound levels, set changes, costume quick-changes — ensuring they work with the choreography before a full dress rehearsal.
Question 2: What is the purpose of 'counts' in choreographic notes and rehearsal?
- To grade dancers on timing accuracy
- To provide a numbered system synchronized with music that allows precise communication about when movements occur (Correct answer)
- To time how long a dancer can hold a balance
- To record how many repetitions of an exercise are performed
Correct answer: To provide a numbered system synchronized with music that allows precise communication about when movements occur
Counts provide a numbered system synchronized with the music that allows choreographers and rehearsal directors to precisely reference moments in the choreography during teaching and correction.
Question 3: What is 'stage fright,' and what evidence-based strategies do performers use to manage it?
- Fear of stage lighting; solved by using sunglasses
- Performance anxiety caused by perceived threat; managed through preparation, breathing techniques, positive self-talk, and reframing excitement (Correct answer)
- A superstition about theatre ghosts; managed by rituals
- Fear of audiences; solved by never performing
Correct answer: Performance anxiety caused by perceived threat; managed through preparation, breathing techniques, positive self-talk, and reframing excitement
Stage fright (performance anxiety) stems from perceived threat to one's self-image; effective management strategies include thorough preparation, diaphragmatic breathing, positive visualization, and cognitive reframing.
Question 4: In a theatrical production, what is the 'choreographer's assistant' or 'assistant choreographer' responsible for?
- Choosing costumes for the production
- Helping the choreographer by teaching combinations, tracking choreographic notes, running rehearsals in the choreographer's absence, and maintaining consistency (Correct answer)
- Managing the stage crew
- Handling ticket sales
Correct answer: Helping the choreographer by teaching combinations, tracking choreographic notes, running rehearsals in the choreographer's absence, and maintaining consistency
An assistant choreographer supports the lead choreographer by learning all choreography, teaching it to cast members, keeping detailed notes, running rehearsals, and ensuring consistency throughout the production process.
Question 5: What is 'choreographic documentation,' and why is it important for dance companies?
- Writing press releases about shows
- Recording choreography through video, notation, or detailed written notes to preserve works for future revival (Correct answer)
- Documenting audience feedback
- Filing tax documents for a dance company
Correct answer: Recording choreography through video, notation, or detailed written notes to preserve works for future revival
Choreographic documentation preserves dance works through video recordings, Labanotation, or detailed rehearsal notes so choreography can be accurately revived by the same or different companies in the future.
Question 6: What is the role of 'spacing rehearsal' in preparing a dance for performance?
- A rehearsal focused on the space between musical notes
- A rehearsal specifically dedicated to setting and fine-tuning the spatial formations and pathways for the performance stage (Correct answer)
- A rehearsal for stretching and flexibility
- An audition for additional cast members
Correct answer: A rehearsal specifically dedicated to setting and fine-tuning the spatial formations and pathways for the performance stage
Spacing rehearsals adapt choreography from the rehearsal studio to the actual performance stage, adjusting formations, entrances, exits, and pathways to fit the specific stage dimensions.
Dance Lessons Dance Performance and Choreography 2
What is a 'technical rehearsal' (tech rehearsal) in dance performance?