In this post, I define form and function in dance technique. Teaching movements for their purpose, or function, creates reliable form and healthier physical development. A function-first approach supports artistry and stylistic versatility across ballet and other performance dance styles.
What Do Form and Function Mean?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines function as “the special purpose or activity for which a thing is used”. It defines form as “the shape of something”.
These definitions can be directly applied to dance technique. Are we teaching or learning the functional purpose of a plié, or only creating shapes with bent knees?
Steps: Function vs. Form
Steps can be taught in two ways:
- Function: the purpose of the movement
- Form: the shape of the movement
Learning the function of a position or movement principle first will lead more consistently to technically sound form. However, when dancers learn only the form or shape, their technique may not become functional in its execution. Therefore, it may not transfer into various situations or styles.
Form Follows Function
The phrase “form follows function” is attributed to the architect, Louis Sullivan. He first used in 1896 in an article on 20th-century architecture and design.
He expressed the idea that the shape or form of a building or object should be primarily based on its intended purpose or function. This is a very apropos concept when applied to dance technique. When movement serves a physical purpose, form emerges naturally.
Building Healthy Technique
All dance styles have their fundamental movements and positions that form the core of their technique. For example, sound functional pliés and battements tendus are critical for students in classical ballet or other Western performance dance forms.
To build them, students must have:
- Strong alignment
- Correct muscle patterning
- Aesthetic line
- Efficient use of energy
- Effective functional tension
Out of those things, the form of the plié and battement tendu will emerge and become the foundation for all other movements that follow. This foundation builds technical facility into the body of the student.
Function First, Form Second
I agree with Louis Sullivan. Form follows function.
Teaching function first creates dancers with greater skill, ease of movement, and healthier physical development. More importantly, they will have the necessary tools to become expressive dance artists.
Photos by Cathy McKelvey and Yukiko Asada of dancers demonstrating the verb plier (to bend) in both form and functional positions. Dancers: Mackenzie Tomlin (bottom left), Rebecca Wolfe (top left), Michelle Lehman (right), and Emma van Zeumeren (bottom centre).
_________________________
About the Author
Leica Hardy is a nationally respected master dance teacher with over 45 years of experience, known for her inspiring instruction and dedication to excellence in classical ballet and contemporary dance. An Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts and co-author of the Society of Classical Ballet’s 14-level syllabus, she has mentored students who have gone on to study and perform with leading dance institutions and companies across North America. See Leica’s full bio here.
Subscribe
Subscribe to Words To Dance By joining our mailing list. Please use the button in the sidebar to send us a message.
Copyright
All content on this blog is original copyrighted material, unless otherwise stated. Content on Words To Dance By may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author. We welcome the use of links to the original posts on this site. Correctly cited and attributed quotes or short excerpts are welcome and appreciated.
