ABSTRACT
All dance forms use the body as the instrument. All require flexibility, strength, control, awareness of intent and meaning, kinetic energy, and musicality or rhythmic awareness. The body in motion obeys physical laws, thus, moving efficiently through space is dependent upon a recognition and understanding of the forces, both within and without, acting on the body. This work explores ballet technique from the perspective of consciously understanding these forces by analyzing and discussing concepts used in modern dance as they relate to the balletic vocabulary. These concepts offer the opportunity to think of the technique in different terms, to change the words and ideas used to impart the intent of the technique, and to encourage students to perceive movement from a deeper and truer (in terms of the physicality of the technique) perspective.
