Discovering dance >
Introduction |
Coon dance |
Break-dance |
Hip hop |
Māori dance |
Pasifika dance |
Use of props |
Hands and feet |
Fusion dance |
Contemporary dance |
Digital dance |
References and resources |
Credits: Video DVD 1 |
Credits: DVD 2
Use of props >
Background information |
Props in dance |
Focus points and focus questions |
Suggested activities |
Related resources
Use of props
Background information
Props are objects that dancers manipulate or use to enhance their dance. Dancers from all different cultures use props in many ways. Often dancers hold props like poi, ribbons, swords, or fans. Props may be manipulated for many reasons (for example, to exaggerate gestures, to create rhythms, to convey ideas or feelings).
Dancers may also wear a prop:
- like a costume, as in the lion dance or the dragon dance
- on the body, like the waist drum or ankle bells
- balanced on the head, as in the Hungarian bottle dance.
In other cases, props may guide the dancer's pathways, (for example, crossed swords in the Highland fling), or support the dancers (for example, ropes supporting 'flying' dancers; stilts).