Maths and DanceComenius group “Why Maths?”

How is dance related to maths?

Dance requires the use of some mathematical terms and topics , especially when dealing with…

● Music and rhythm;● Shapes;● Movements executed;● Spatial organization;● Symmetry.

Music and Rhythm

Dancers must constantly be counting their steps in order to keep time with the music. If they miss a beat, they will no longer be synchronized with the other dancers.

Shapes

Dancers form angles, lines and simple shapes with their arms and legs such as circles, triangles as well as more complex shapes.

● Angles Dancers need to focus on the angles to make correct

shapes.

● LinesDancers use their bodies to create straight and

curved lines.

Movements executed

For example in Ballet, dancers create circles while executing pirouette and rond jambe.

Spatial organizationIn order to maximize dance space and make it possible

for all dancers to be seen, in dance we use different types of geometrical formations:

● Parallel lines;● Circles;● Squares.

Symmetry

Our body is a representation of symmetry.It helps dancers balance.

Dancers are constantly moving their bodies across the stage so that it reflects the same pattern.