Music and Movement in 5
“Accents play a huge role in how meters feel when counted.”
The next musical term we will define is “accent”, which is an emphasis, stress, or stronger “attack” placed on a particular note or set of notes. Used in almost all styles of movement, accents are moments where music and dance align in a unique way. It is a great example of when both movement and music combine to add dynamic range to specific moments. When accompanying “triplets across the floor”, I will accent the last two beats (the “ups” in “down, up, up, down, up, up…). The accents are used to help “lift” the movement. Jumps are one of the most common moments where music and dance use accents.