The features of production
- Staging and set: the performance space and any scenery, which can show a location or create an abstract world.
- Lighting: colour, intensity, direction and changes (fades and blackouts) create mood and focus.
- Properties (props): objects used in the dance.
- Costume: including footwear, masks, make-up and accessories; it can show character, allow movement and add to the mood.
- Dancers: the number and gender of dancers.
- Dance for camera: dances made to be filmed, using camera angles, editing and locations.
Aural setting
- The aural setting is the sound accompaniment: song, instrumental, orchestral, spoken word, silence, natural sound, found sound or body percussion.
- The relationship between music and dance can be direct (matching), mutual coexistence (existing side by side), or contrasting.
Writing about production features
- Describe the feature precisely, explain how it supports the choreographic intention, and link it to specific moments.
Key terms
- Aural setting
- The sound that accompanies a dance.
- Properties
- Objects used in a dance (props).
- Dance for camera
- Dance created to be filmed.
- Body percussion
- Sounds made with the body, such as clapping.
- Found sound
- Everyday sounds used as accompaniment.
- Mutual coexistence
- When music and dance exist side by side without directly matching.