Glossary
of Selected
TermsGlossary of Selected Terms
AB form—d. A two-part compositional form having an A theme and a B
theme. The binary form consists of two distinct, self-contained sections shar-
ing a character or quality (such as the same tempo).
ABA form—d. A three-part compositional form in which the second section
contrasts with the first. The third section restates the first section in con-
densed, abbreviated, or extended form.
abstract—v. Refers to artwork in which the subject matter is stated in a brief,
simplified manner. Little or no attempt is made to represent images realisti-
cally, and objects are often simplified or distorted.
abstraction—d. An idea or concept conveyed through movement and removed
from its original context. For example, when a gesture to communicate
happiness, such as jumping, is enlarged, made polyrhythmic, and repeated on
different levels, it becomes abstract or nonliteral. The use of abstraction can
encourage originality and make movement interesting and engaging.
accent—d. A strong movement or gesture.
accompaniment—m. Vocal or instrumental parts accompanying a melody.
acting—t. The process by which a person uses the entire self—body, mind,
voice, and emotions—to interpret and perform the role of an imagined or
assumed character.
acting areas—t. See center stage, downstage, stage left and right, and upstage.
action—t. The core of a theatre piece; the sense of forward movement created
by the sequence of events and physical and psychological motivations of the
characters. In film it is the basis of a prominent genre known as the action
film.
actor—t. A person, male or female, who performs a role in a play or other
entertainment.
actor’s position—t. The orientation of the actor to the audience (e.g., full back,
full front, right profile, left profile).
additive—v. Refers to the process of joining parts together to create a sculpture.
aerial perspective—v. Aerial or atmospheric perspective is achieved by using
bluer, lighter, and duller hues for distant objects in a two-dimensional work
of art.
aerophone—m. A musical instrument, such as a trumpet or flute, in which
sound is generated by a vibrating column of air.
Note: An abbreviation appearing after a term designates which of the visual and performing arts
the term refers to: d: dance, m: music, t: theatre, v: visual arts